SILENT!
["He (the late Ismail Pasha) did not conceal his opinion that Egypt should be left to the Egyptians, but admitted that a strong Government was indispensable. He thought that in any circumstances a great deal would depend upon the character of the Khedive. Ismail believed that if the Khedive were a competent and energetic ruler, a satisfactory state of affairs might be established in Egypt within a very short time."—"Times" Vienna Correspondent.]
Could Pentaour, the Copt poet-laureate, scribe, bard and friend of the King,
Sing now, as aforetime to Rameses, how, and of what should he sing?
Of Nile given up to the Giaour, its increase made o'er to the Jew
Modern Pharaoh would gladly let go with his bonds and his power of screw?
Of Ra superseded by Apis, of Rameses bluffed by John Bull,
Of the pride of the pashas o'erthrown, of the cup of the fellaheen full?
Should he sing of the anger of Abbas, the fretful and furious boy,