True, Madam, and tasteless would be the intrusion
That tactlessly took no account of the time
The praises of Britons are yours, in profusion;
The blame for a blunder, the judgment for crime,
Let Statesmen apportion; all know where the Honour
In Manipur's ill-managed business is due;
And Punch, whose delight is of praise to be donor,
Without hesitation awards it to you!
The terrible tale of that sudden disaster
Is vivid in memory, fresh on our ear;