I once believed the "Man of Kent"
To be the Muses' firm supporter
And only less benevolent
To bards than Mr. C.K. SHORTER.

But this untimely cruel blow
Has quite irrevocably shattered
The hopes which till a week ago
My fondest aspirations flattered.

Wounds that are dealt us by our friends
Are faithful, but the name endearing
Of friend is hardly his who lends
And then denies the bard a hearing.

How then, O brother songsters, can
You take it lying down, and meekly
Submit to this tyrannic ban
Laid on you by _The British Weekly_?

No, no, you'll rather emulate
The Minstrel Boy, and we shall find you
Storming its barred and bolted gate
With reams of lyrics slung behind you.

* * * * *

"The time is ripe for the authorities to stop all street
traffic and to order all unauthorised persons to take cover