The birthplace of the Swan of Avon,

Must cause the Bard as deep a pain

As his resemblance to Hall Caine.

Mere ordinary mortals ask,

With no desire for picking quarrels,

Who gave her the congenial task

Of judging other people’s morals?

Who bade her flay her fellow-men

With such a frankly feline pen?

And one may seek, and seek in vain.