Where is the chief McG——gr to pledge me the word of his clan?
He is there on the pine-clad highlands, a highly-paid, well-placed man.
He is shelved with the rest, all promoted they enjoy the reward of the great.
Will they come now those I have chosen? I watch for their face and wait,
For the bright light shines on promotion, and dark is the downward track,
And the Simla hills ring an echo of voices that hold them back.
Let the commission stay on the mountain and start as thy message said,
When the Amir sends a safe escort—when the Kalends of Greece are sped.”
“Bala.”
This effusion is amusing no matter how it scans.