EXPOSTULATION WITH PALMERSTON.
Oh Palmerston! why hast thou fled
Precisely when wanted the most?
What could put it into thy head
Just now to abandon thy post?
Why run from the vessel away
That needs thee to weather the storm?
I cannot believe, what they say,
'Tis because thou dislikest Reform.
Resigning, too, suddenly, when
Thou wast doing thy business so well!
In the language of certain young men,
It seems like a regular sell.
Thine office in thus flinging down
At this most particular nick
Of Time, thou resemblest the Clown
In a mischievous Pantomime trick.
But play out the part of buffoon,
And show thyself only in jest;
Return to help old Pantaloon,
And Harlequin John, and the rest.
Return, or the Grand Christmas Piece
Will prove an unlucky affair;
And Columbine help to release,
Now clutched in the grip of the Bear.
Alas! by that Bear hangs a tail,
I fear me, for all we are told,
Which, lifting obscurity's veil,
A very short time will unfold.
Meantime let the Ministers weep,
Of such a supporter bereft,
Until they their handkerchiefs steep,
Crying, "Palmerston's taken and left!"