NOBLESSE OBLIGE.
(New Version.)
"Let Art and Commerce, Laws and Learning die,
But leave us still our Old Nobility!"
Without them, in our democratic day,
Who will the part of princely patriot play?
Who else will keep a splendid Family Seat,
And claim—for its defence—a mighty Fleet?
Who else will make Bank Holidays a joy
To wandering workman and to wondering boy?
Who else will rear big fortunes upon Rent,
Or palaces on Unearned Increment?
Monopolise art's treasures and life's pleasures,
And throw out dangerous democratic measures?
Who else will keep up England's glorious name?
Who else preserve her prestige—and her game?
Who else will wear the purple and the ermine,
And proudly stamp out Socialistic vermin?
Who else in one grand field-day, 'midst the Peers,
Undo the labours of ignoble years?
Who else in solemn ranks, like three-tailed Turks,
Defend the power of Privilege and Perks?
And 'tis these most magnanimous Mamelukes,
Our patriot Earls and foe-defying Dukes,
A traitorous Chancellor would dare to—Tax!!!
Ah! where's the dungeon, and oh! where's the axe?
Noblesse oblige! But sure the obligation
Cannot involve that horror, Graduation!
Is't not enough to rule, and guide, and bless,
And soar as shining samples of Success?
While with our Nobles England's glory waxes,
The Proletariat's proud to—pay the Taxes!
LYRE AND LANCET.
(A Story in Scenes.)
PART VII.—IGNOTUM PRO MIRIFICO.
Scene XII.—The Amber Boudoir at Wyvern—immediately after Lady Cantire and her daughter have entered.