THE BATTLE OF THE BUDGET.
(Some Way after Southey's "Battle of Blenheim.")
"Old Kaspar" ... Sir W. V. H-rc-rt.
I.
It was a summer evening,
Old Kaspar's work was done;
And he before his cottage door
Was resting in the sun,
And by him sported on the green
Bung's little daughter, Witlerine.
II.
She saw Bull's youngest, Johnnykin,
Roll something large and round
Which he beside the village pump
In playing there had found;
He came to ask what he had found
That was so large, and smooth, and round.
III.
Old Kaspar took it from the boy,
And winked a wary eye;
And then the old man shook his head,
And with a natural sigh,
"This is some Landlord's skull," said he,
"Who fell in our Great Victory!
IV.
"This jug of ale, my Witlerine,
Seems rather thin and flat!
Eh! 'Budget-Beer,' of the new tap?
Watered, and weak at that!
Humph! With it, then, I mustn't quarrel,
It is that sixpence on the barrel!
V.
"There is some comfort in this skull.
Hope there'll be more about!
Death has its Duties, may have more,
As rich folk will find out;
For many wealthy men," said he,
"Were 'hit,' in our Great Victory!"
VI.
"Now tell us what 'twas all about,"
Young Johnnykin he cries;
And little Witlerine looks up
With wonder-waiting eyes;
"Now tell us of that Budget war,
And what they whopped each other for."
VII.
"It was the Rads," old Kaspar cried,
"That put the Nobs to rout.
But what we whopped each other for
Some people can't make out.
But 'twas a long, hard fight," quoth he,
"And we'd a well-earned Victory!
VIII.
"Eaton Hall, Chatsworth, Blenheim, then
Raised quite a Bitter Cry;
Dukes said their dwellings they'd shut up,
(Though that was all my eye!)
They'd be hard put to it (they said)
To keep a roof above their head.
IX.
"With protests loud the country round
Was ringing far and wide;
Our 'Predatory Policy'
(As usual) was decried.
But such things will attend," said he,
"A Democratic Victory!
X.
"They said it was a shocking sight
After the fight was won
To see rich Landlords quake with fear—
And to their lawyers run!
But things like that, you know, must be
After a Liberal Victory.
XI.
"Great terror seized on Brother Bung;
The brewers all turned green."
"That was a very cruel thing!"
Said little Witlerine.
"Nay, nay, you naughty girl!" quoth he;
"It was a—People's Victory!
XII.
"And everybody praised the Knight
Who such a fight did win!"
"But what good comes of it—to us?"
Quoth little Johnnykin.
"Ah! if you live, you'll learn!" said he;
"But 'twas a Glorious Victory!
XIII.
"I don't quite like this Budget-Beer,
It savours of the pump.
But—there's a meaning in that skull
Will make the Landlords jump,—
Both Peers and Bungs; and that," quoth he,
"Makes it a fruitful Victory!"
A great many young ladies have a literary taste just now, and during this warm weather are rushing into print.