"Mine will be if thy first-born sues in vain!"

"Fool, I must have my prey!" was all he got

In answer. But a fancy crossed his brain.

"I have it! Sire, methinks a meteor shot

Just now across the heavens and neutralized

Jove's salutary influence: 'neath the blot

"Plumb are you placed now: well that I surmised

The cause of failure! Knaves, reverse the bed!"

"Stay!" groaned the monarch, "I shall be capsized—

"Jolt—jolt—my heels uplift where late my head