And advised me for my safety that I’d better seek the door—

If I didn’t vanish quickly I might go upon all four:

So I vanished—nothing more.

The Modern Athenian (Edinburgh), March 11, 1876.


LINES
Respectfully dedicated to the
Right Honourable Henry Bouverie William Brand, M.P.,
Speaker of the House of Commons.

“Once upon a Wednesday dreary, while I listened somewhat weary,

To the dull and dismal business going on upon the floor,

On me, in my melancholy, broke the voice of Mr. Whalley,

Pouring forth of words a volley, and this, too, I meekly bore;