The ms. tendered, Cairns the Royal thoughts
And Beaconsfield’s concoctions thus disclosed:
‘My Lords and Gentlemen, once more well met,
Or classically, “Here we are again!”
The firmest friendship knits us to all Powers
(Save tiffs with holy Russia and the Turk,
Which every week or so must needs occur).
Triumphant o’er the Afghans are our arms;
For since no downfall in its grip can hold
All-conquering England, though repulsed awhile,