Treats with smooth oil august Legation nerves,
With vinegar the public whom he serves.
Each case through native spectacles he sees,
Less Consul than Protector of Chinese;
Trembles at glances from Viceregal eyes,
And cowers before contemptuous Taotais;
But should mere nationals his aid implore,
Is quite the haughty personage once more.
Lives on the bounty of the public's purse,
Yet greets that public with a smothered curse;