Funny Folks, May 3, 1884.
The Prize Editor of The Weekly Dispatch offered two guineas for the best original parody of Tennyson's "May Queen," to consist of not more than five verses, having some reference to current politics. The prize was awarded to Mr. F. W. Binstead, 76, Ockendon road, Canonbury, N., for the following poem, which was published in The Weekly Dispatch, May 4, 1884:—
THE LAST LORD MAYOR TO HIS FAVOURITE BEADLE.
You must wake and call me early, call me early, Bumble, dear,
I mean to fight with all my might each minute of this year;
For a play is in rehearsal now—a tragic, terrible play—
And I'm to be Griffin at Bay, Bumble, I'm to be Griffin at Bay!
I'll fight from morn till night, Bumble—my soul must never quake—