THE LORD MAYOR TO THE LADY MAYORESS.
["If this bill becomes law, it will be our proud privilege to continue the existence of the Lord Mayor for six months, until it comes into action on the 1st of May, 1885."—Sir W. V. Harcourt's Speech.]
If you've read Sir Vernon's speech upon the City, daughter dear,
You will see that London's downfall from its great estate is near;
But one comfort you will gather—not November ends our sway,
For I'm to be Mayor till May, daughter, I'm to be Mayor till May!
I have said that I will fight the bill, in clause, and line, and word.
I may not be the conqueror, but my protests shall be heard—
Though that clause my office to extend for six months more may stay,
That I may be Mayor till May, daughter, I may be Mayor till May!
They do not stop our banqueting, so that clause I don't condemn—
Oh, the Ministers won't abrogate the feeds we give to them!
And that is about the only good they do not take away—
But I'm to be Mayor till May, daughter, I'm to be Mayor till May!
* * * * *
Can Harcourt think to bribe me by this one continuance clause?
He'll see that I shall show the bill to be little else but flaws!
This "sop" as he may fancy it, won't affect what I've to say,
Tho' I'm to be Mayor till May, daughter, I'm to be Mayor till May!
Now tell me your opinion on the matter, daughter dear,
For you will be Lady Mayoress as long as we are here;
And if it passes, recollect we pass next "Lord Mayor's Day,"
And I shall be Mayor till May, daughter, I shall be Mayor till May!
Funny Folks, May 3, 1884.
The Prize Editor of The Weekly Dispatch offered two guineas for the best original parody of Tennyson's "May Queen," to consist of not more than five verses, having some reference to current politics. The prize was awarded to Mr. F. W. Binstead, 76, Ockendon road, Canonbury, N., for the following poem, which was published in The Weekly Dispatch, May 4, 1884:—