I ventured to suggest to Stead that rather than be bluffed I
Would make this cursing soldier-ghost turn out in psychic mufti;
He couldn't drop his helmet then, nor threaten with his sabre.
"I've tried to," said the Editor, "it's only wasted labour.
"I've sought advice," continued Stead, "from Cantuar and Ebor,
They hinted that they couldn't stand a she-ghost and a he-bore.
I tried to get a word or two from men of arts and letters,
They said they drew the line at Spooks who made a noise with fetters.
And when I talked of bringing men and ghostly shapes together
The Bishops tapped their foreheads and conversed about the weather.