Why, it's not the least business of mine.
In 1879 the Editor of The World offered a prize for the best parody on Tennyson's Lotus-Eaters, the chosen subject being "Her Majesty's Ministers at Greenwich."
The prize was awarded to C. J. Billson, for the following parody, which appeared in The World, for September 3rd, 1879:—
THE WHITEBAIT-EATERS.
"COURAGE!" they said, and pointed through the gloom;
"There is a haven in yon fishful clime."
At dinner-time they came into a room,
In which it seemèd all day dinner-time.
All in the midst the banquet rose sublime,