All were asleep, unthinking;

Had it not been for our clatter and clack,

Rome had been French--yes, in Anno Tubak.

Save your scorn, gentlemen--take our advice,

We shall not save civilization twice;

And if to the Capitol,

Storm Claret, Hock, and Bowl,

No goose again will warn you from surprise,

Or hinder the red monkeys from dancing 'fore your eyes.

[THE LAST TROUSERS.]