An odd metamorphosis that, it is true,
But one which has taken place over and o’er;—
Now I do not mean you, sir, nor you, sir, nor you.
I hate personalities, therefore won’t say,
How a jackass conducts when made just ass of Peace,
Such animals now and then come in my way,
But I never shear hogs for the sake of their fleece.
A vile pettifogger, all quibble and jaw,
Is ninety-nine thousand times worse than a brute,
In a sunbeam he’ll pick an indictable flaw,