He, ere the cheers died wholly away, and while still there was stamping,

Added, in altered voice, with a smile, his doubtful conclusion.

I have, however, less claim than others perhaps to this honour,

For, let me say, I am neither game-keeper, nor game-preserver.

So he said, and sat down, but his satire had not been taken.

Only the men, who were all on their legs as concerned in the thanking,

Were a trifle confused, but mostly sat down without laughing;

Lindsay alone, close-facing the chair, shook his fist at the speaker.

Only a Liberal member, away at the end of the table,

Started, remembering sadly the cry of a coming election,