24 NOVEMBER 1888, Page 15

VILLANELLE OF THE LOYAL JACKASS.

I'm sick of Harcourt's sounding brass, Of Morley's tinkling symbolism ; Why am I such a loyal ass ?

I wish they'd put me out to grass Far from this everlasting schism : I'm sick of Harcourt's sounding brass.

My features in the looking-glass Seem sicklied o'er with pessimism : Why am I such a loyal ass ?

I flounder in the rank morass Of Separatist syllogism : I'm sick of Harcourt's sounding brass.

The Parnellites are not first-class : Their creed's the rankest Communism : Why am I such a loyal ass ?

I cannot worship with the mass : I can't endure this fetishism : I'm sick of Harcourt's sounding brass : Why am I such a loyal ass ?