Imperious Norman, that's a modern trial
That's always being argued more or less;
The Press keeps now such vigilant espial
On every grasping would-be public plunderer.
You, Sire, had not to reckon with "The Thunderer!"

Times change, stark soldier, and we have the _Times_
Premier to check and snub Chief Secretaries.
Counting land-grabbing high among earth's crimes
Would have amazed you! Public judgment varies.
You and your wolf-hound, WILLIAM, would not now
Try a "clean sweep,"--without a general row.

Ask OTTO! He is somewhat in your style,
But he could tell you what new risks environ
The ancient art of Ruling. You may smile
At Print and Paper _versus_ Blood and Iron,
But Sovereign and Crown, though loved by many,
Stand now no chance against the Popular Penny.

Ask Malwood's Squire again! He knows right well
The New Democracy,--and the New Forest;
_Our_ great Plantagenet, a true blue "Swell,"
Fights for the People when their need is sorest.
In Norman BILLY he'd own small belief;
The People's WILLIAM is _his_ favourite chief.

Your ghostly presence in these verdant glades
Might startle STANHOPE, musing on his Ranges,
But not the angriest of Royal Shades