As a "tempy," but Principal, Treasury Clerk,
And the Permanent Staff and the Chancellor too
Pronounced him a flier and well worth his screw.
So he went to the Conference, not as a mute,
To act as the Chancellor's chief substitute,
And in this extremely responsible post
He mingled with those who were ruling the roast.
The Big and redoubtable Three, 'tis confessed,
By his talent and zeal were immensely impressed;
But, conversely, the fact, which is painful, remains