With secrets wrested from an emperor,

And hear him vaunt his bravery, and tell

How once he snubbed a marquis, I infer

The man came back—if but the truth were known—

By way of Cork, and kissed the Blarney Stone!

III.

So, when I hear a shallow dandy boast

(In the long ear that marks a brother dunce)

What precious favors ladies’ lips have lost,

To his advantage, I suspect at once