He--_Codlin_--is the friend, _not Short_,
But, in his heart he's making sport.
Of course 'tis wickedest of shames,
But--recollect Sir HENRY JAMES,
Your open enemy avowed,
Did not the House o' Commons crowd
Of frauds and shams play up to him,
And shelve "the Female Franchise" whim
Only the other day? Sheer diddle!
Have you not _nous_ to read the riddle?
How wondrous prompt was W.G.
To back up SMITH! With what sly glee
The "Woman's-Rightists" did subside.
And--_sub silentio_--let _you_ slide!
Your Grand Old Man, dears,--well, _he's_ human.
He doesn't want some Grand Old Woman
As colleague or as rival. WOODALL?
Well, he is gentle, genial, good all;
But there's a twinkle in his eye
Persuades me that _he_ would not die
Did you consent to drop your "claim."
And now there comes another name
To raise for Shes the party slogan.
Well, trust, dears--if you like--to LOGAN;
He "will support you _at all times_!"
Keep your eye on him! SHAKSPEARE's rhymes
Tell you "Men were deceivers ever."
M.P.'s wise, foolish, crass, and clever,
Are--nominally--on your side,
And--privately--your cause deride.
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