(_To All whom it may concern._)
Hasty assumption, by spite inspired,
Spouting in public before you've inquired
Basis of fact or authority's worth;
Wriggles, provoking much cynical mirth,
Roundaboutation, sophistical fudge;
Then retractation, but done with a grudge!--
Gentlemen, gentlemen, _is_ this good form?
Would you political citadels storm
Like Heathen Chinees with (word) "stinkpots"? For shame!
This is not manfully playing the game.
It is not "good business," believe me, but bad,
Whether you're Tory or whether you're Rad.
Young and conceited, or old and grand,
To tell taradiddles--at second-hand!
* * * * *