IV.

_G_. Methought I heard yestreen a loudish noise
Closely resembling the report of guns.
_H_. Ay, you conjectured right. Those sounds arose
From anti-aircraft guns engaged in practice
Against the unlikely advent of the Hun.
One must be ready in a war like this
To face the most remote contingencies.
_G_. Something descended on the next back-yard,
Spoiling a dozen of my neighbour's tubers.
_H_. No doubt a live shell mixed among the blank;
Such oversights from time to time occur
Even in Potsdam, where the casual sausage
Perishes freely in a _feu de joie_.

V.

_J_. We missed you badly at our board last night.
_K_. The loss was mine. I could not get a cab.
Whistling, as you're aware, is banned by law,
And when I went in person on the quest
The streets were void of taxis.
_J_. And to what
Do you attribute this unusual dearth?
_K_. The general rush to Halls of Mirth and Song,
Never so popular. The War goes well,
And London's millions needs must find a way
To vent their exaltation--else they burst.