They still remain beneath my sway, most curious to relate;
For though my Ministers with much post-prandial declamation
Are very prone to talk about “Imperial Federation,”
They have not lost a chance of late to snub, insult, and slight
Those Colonies which they declare they’re anxious to unite.
So far, however, I repeat, their efforts have proved vain,—
An undivided Empire still is that o’er which I reign.
Even in Ireland, tyranny too terrible to tell
Has failed to goad my subjects ’gainst their tyrants to rebel;
And, though their trusted leaders have been sent by scores to prison,