You see, sir, it 's your own fault more than mine;

It 's all your fault, you curious gentlefolk!

You 're prigs,—excuse me,—like to look so spry,

So clever, while you cling by half a claw

To the perch whereon you puff yourselves at roost,

Such piece of self-conceit as serves for perch

Because you chose it, so it must be safe.

Oh, otherwise you 're sharp enough! You spy

Who slips, who slides, who holds by help of wing,

Wanting real foothold,—who can't keep upright