Xv

Off to these at full speed rushed our worthy,-- Brain practised and tongue no less tutored, In argument's armor accoutred,-- Sprang forth, mounted rostrum, and essayed Proposals like those to which "Yes" said So glibly each personage painted O' the wall-side where with you 're acquainted. He harangued on the faults of the Bailiwick: "Red soon were our State-candle's paly wick, If wealth would become but interfluous, Fill voids up with just the superfluous; If ignorance gave way to knowledge --Not pedantry picked up at college From Doctors, Professors et cætera-- (They say: 'kai ta loipa'--like better a Long Greek string of kappas, taus, lambdas, Tacked on to the tail of each damned ass)-- No knowledge we want of this quality, But knowledge indeed--practicality Through insight's fine universality! If you shout 'Bailiffs, out on ye all! Fie, Thou Chief of our forces, Amalfi, Who shieldest the rogue and the clotpoll!' If you pounce on and poke out, with what pole I leave ye to fancy, our Siena's Beast-litter of sloths and hyenas--" (Whoever to scan this is ill able Forgets the town's name 's a dissyllable)-- "If, this done, ye did--as ye might--place For once the right man in the right place, If you listened to me" ...