To make shadows on the floor;

’Nary shadow—any more!


The Chancellor of the Exchequer
and the Surplus.

Lately on a midnight dreary, whilst I studied, though so weary,

Several sheets of close-writ figures I had gone through times before;

Whilst I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at the Treasury door.

“Is that Kempe?” I slowly mutter’d. “If it is, pray leave the door—

I shall want you here no more!”