“I surely can be spared?”

“Nay, you must stay,” the “Whip” replied,

“Since you’ve remained ‘unpaired.’”

Upon his brow he felt the weight

Of unaccustomed care,

And tried “to follow the debate,”

But ended in despair.

And shouted but once more aloud:

“Oh, Cecil, must I stay!”

But Cecil, still unwisely proud,