"HE plays the airy flute,
And looks depressed and blighted,
Doves round about him 'toot,'
And lambkins dance delighted.

"HE labours more than you
At worsted work, and frames it;
In old maids' albums, too,
Sticks seaweed--yes, and names it!"

The tempter said his say,
Which pierced him like a needle -
He summoned straight away
His sexton and his beadle.

(These men were men who could
Hold liberal opinions:
On Sundays they were good -
On week-days they were minions.)

"To HOPLEY PORTER go,
Your fare I will afford you -
Deal him a deadly blow,
And blessings shall reward you.

"But stay--I do not like
Undue assassination,
And so before you strike,
Make this communication: