She trusts, with reason why she should,
Like all that live beneath thy sway,
She will be governed for her good.
This unofficial competition with the Laureate, however, did not prevent Punch from applauding Tennyson's additional stanzas to the National Anthem, which some critics had impugned for their metrical laxity. A little later on, à propos of the Queen's alleged refusal to wear a crinoline in 1859, Punch in a mood of mixed loyalty and levity contributed a new version of his own:—
Long live our gracious Queen,
Who won't wear Crinoline,
Long live the Queen!
May her example spread,
Broad skirts be narrowèd,
Long trains be shortenèd,