"HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE!"
"This Garter, brighter from the knee
Of him who uttered nothing—important.">[
"Mister" Rosebery, loquitur:—
A Star and Garter! Here's a go!
Well, well, no doubt 'twas to be worn meant;
And, as mere personal adornment,
It does look smartish, dontcher know!
All personal adornment's vain,
Held Dr. WATTS, holds dear McDOUGALL;
For dowdy dress and habits frugal
Befit the Democratic strain.
And I'm a Democrat—of course!
The BENJAMIN FRANKLIN of the Peerage!
And yet—ah! truly 'tis a queer age—
Decoration has some force!
I wonder what the L.C.C.
Will say to this! That I should spurn it?
JOHN BURNS may swear I ought to burn it.
Still—it looks natty round my knee.
I need not wear it when I sit
Among the broadcloth'd heirs of BUMBLE!
But Foreign Minister too humble
Were butt of diplomatic wit.
Battersea's pride my pride may scourge.
Well—he may find he's caught a Tartar.
A robe—a coronet—a garter!—
Materials for a new "PRIDE'S PURGE"!
The keen-eyed Democratic lynx
May watch me with alert suspicion,
As but a half-disguised patrician,
But—shame to him who evil thinks!
[Left posturing complacently.
