“Yet your step is still springy and gay;
You are strong, Father William, a muscular man,
Now, tell me the reason, I pray?”
“In the days of my strength, Mr. G—dst—e replied,
“I, by exercise, strength still amass’d;
That, devoted to England and Statesmanship first,
I might flourish my axe to the last.”
“You are old, Father William,” the young man cried,
“In the Commons to lead is not play;
And yet you accept not the peerage you’ve earned;