Is this the Eagle-hunter,
The valiant fate-confronter,
The soldier brave, and blunter
Of speech than BISMARCK's self?
This bungler all-disgracing,
This braggart all-debasing.
This spurious sportsman, chasing
No nobler prey than pelf?

The merest "fly in amber,"
_He_ after eagles clamber?
Nay, faction's ante-chamber
Were fitter place for him,
A trifler transitory,
To gasconade of "glory"!
He'd foul fair France's story,
Her lustre pale and dim.

_Les Coulisses?_ Ah, precisely!
They suit his nature nicely,
Who bravely, nobly, wisely,
Can hardly even "act."
_Histrio_ all _blague_ and blather,
Is it not pity, rather,
One Frenchman should foregather
With him in selfish pact?

In selfish pact--but silly.
_His_ neighbouring, willy-nilly,
Must smirch the Bee, the Lily,