How his ears must have ached when the Home-Rule Circassians
Gave the rein to their penchant for shindy and squall;
And oft times would they be snapping and sneering,
But ’twas all one to him their jibing and jeering;
Not a figs-end for party or brogue did he care,
His task was reporting them all square and fair.
And yet but to see now how strangely things happen!
As he scribbled on, thinking of nothing at all,
He was spotted by Sullivan, Power, and Callan,
Who “protisted,” and straightway began such a brawl!