While hungry placemen gather’d fast around:
And he, as if by chance or play,
Or that he would their venal votes repay,
The golden treasures round upon them flings.
SIR ROBERT PEEL AND THE QUEEN.
Upon the first interview of the Queen with Sir Robert Peel, her Majesty was determined to answer only in monosyllables to all he said; and, in fact, to make her replies an echo, and nothing more, to whatever he said to her. The following dialogue, which we have thrown into verse for the purpose of smoothing it—the tone of it, as spoken, having been on one side, at least, rather rough—ensued between the illustrious persons alluded to.
HE.—Before we into minor details go,
Do I possess your confidence or no?
SHE.—No.