EXIT IN FUMO.
[The birthday gifts from the Emperor to Prince Bismarck include,
besides his portrait, a long and valuable pipe.]
O solace of sore hearts, soul-soothing pipe!
Was ever trail-exhausted Indian,
Tired mariner, or hungry working-man,
Or sore-tried toiler, of whatever type,
More needed comfort from thy blessed bowl
Than brooding Bismarck in his exiled hour?
He who, when storms about his land did lour,
Faced them, and rode them out, and to the goal
Of glory, and to safety's haven brought
His mighty charge! Memories of foes outfought,
And rivals out-manœuvred, stir his soul,
His strong stark soul, as there he sits and shrouds
That granite face in thick tobacco-clouds
Blown from the "long, and valuable" gift
Wherewith a grateful Master's genial thrift
Rewards the service, "long and valuable,"
Of such a Servant! Later time shall tell
The tale of that strange parting, of the schemes
That set asunder autocratic youth
And age, perchance, imperious. But, in truth,
Wise age discounts the worth of boyish dreams;
'Tis well that youth, betimes, should bear the yoke!
Maybe the Mighty Chancellor's career
Is far less like, whatever may appear,
Than the proud Emperor's plans to—end in smoke!
