Deputations are serious and sober,
Officials look palsied and sere--
They indulge in rhetoric small-beer
(Instead of sound sparkling October)
They're frightened about _you_, my dear--
(You, at present in two senses, dear!)
They would scan the far future, and probe her,
But can't--and it makes them feel queer;
As you sit by the fire, looking sober,
You make _them_ sit up and feel queer.