He scrambles about on the slippery floor,

Like a toper at large, or a mad semaphore,

Half wishing he hadn't gone rinking.

But, guided discreetly, supported at need,

The clumsiest novice at last may succeed,

His knees and his elbows controlling;

And you, my dear PRIMOSE, have played such a part.

You have given your promising pupil a start,

And—so to speak—set the wheels rolling.

He ought to do now; let us hope that he will.