What of our little game think they?”
“O some there were who talked full wise
Of the Germans beyond the sea,
And the purposes dark of the grim Bismarck
On the coast of New Guinea;
“And who seemed cocksure you were seeking the Prince—
’Twas thus that the rumour ran—
With additional swag in the Gladstone bag
As a bribe from the grand old man.”
“But said they nought,” said the Minister bold;