In 1884, Truth offered a prize for the nearest forecast of the speech to be delivered on the opening of Parliament, and many replies were published, amongst which the following was, perhaps, the most amusing, although not written in accordance with the regulations of the competition:—
[Enter Councillors, thirsting for information as to the future programme of the Powers-that-be.]
My Lords, and Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
I have purposely summoned you late
Till I’d settled some matters of weight,
Now, I’ve called you together
To talk of the weather
And other great matters of State.
I’m pacific, as all must confess,