["Rhymes are difficult things, they are stubborn things,
Sir."--FIELDING: _Amelia_.]
LOBENGULA! LOBENGULA!
How do you pronounce your name?
How do those who call you ruler
Your regality proclaim?
Does the stalwart Matabele
Seared with many a cruel scar,
Ere he gives his life so freely,
Hail you King LOBENGULA?
Have I read in British journals,
On a 'bus _en route_ to Holborn,
Telegrams where British Colonels
Have the cheek to call you LO-BEN?
Has your name some fearful meaning
Redolent of blood and bones,
Or am I correct in weening
It's vernacular for JONES?
Kaiser! Potentate! Dictator!
Any title that's sublime
Choose, but send us cis-equator
For your name the proper rhyme.
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