AND CERTAIN OLD ASSOCIATIONS REVIVED BY A DRAUGHT OF THIS NUTRITIOUS
BEAN.
["The rate on cocoa is raised from 1-1/2_d._ to 6_d._ per lb." (Loud
cheers).
_The CHANCELLOR'S Budget Speech._]
Now, ere the price thereof goes soaring up,
Ere yet the devastating tax comes in,
I wish to wallow in the temperate cup
(Loud cheers) that not inebriates, like gin;
Ho, waiter! bring me--nay, I do not jest--
A cocoa of the best!
Noblest of all non-alcoholic brews,
Rich nectar of the Nonconformist Press,
Tasting of CADBURY and _The Daily News_,
Of passive martyrs and the law's distress,
And redolent of the old narcotic spice
Of peace-at-any-price--
What memories, how intolerably sweet,
Hover about its fat and unctuous fumes!
Of Little England and a half-baked Fleet,
Of German friendship pure as vernal blooms,
And that dear country's hallowed right to dump
Things on us in the lump;
Of tropic isles whereon this beverage springs,
And niggers sweating out their pagan souls;
Of British workmen, flattered even as kings,
So to secure their suffrage at the polls;
Of liberty for all to go on strike
Just when and where they like.
I would renew these wistful dreams to-night;
For, since upon my precious nibs, when ground,
McKENNA's minions, with to-morrow's light,
Will plant a tax of sixpence in the pound,
My sacred memories, cheap enough before,
Will clearly cost me more.