And your facts, though a fiction, defy contradiction;
What made you so dreadfully clever?”
“I’ve answered two questions, that’s surely enough,
You have got to the end of your tether;
When puzzled, reply in a meaningless way,
Or refuse to reply altogether.”
Don Juan.
Of the Truth Parodies omitted, some were political, two were in reference to the action for breach of promise of marriage brought against Mr. Joseph Biggar, M.P., and one related to pigeon shooting. The extraordinary story set afloat by Lady Florence Dixie, that she had been waylaid by two men who attempted to murder her in broad daylight and close to the high road, was thus explained:—
“You have told, Lady Florence,” the young man cried,
“A story that reads like a play;