[Mr. ST. LOE STRACHEY has written an article in the _Nineteenth
Century_, entitled, "The Seven Lord Roseberies."]
Parliament's a stage,
And, Peers or Commoners, they are merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one Peer in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven stages. First the Home-Ruler,
Mewling and puking in Nurse GLADSTONE'S arms;
And then the Union Schoolboy, with his satchel,
And smooth-cut morning face, creeping like snail
Unwilling to JOE'S school. And then the Boss,
Working like nigger, with a dithyrambic
Made to the County Council. Then a Socialist,
Full of strange aims, bearded like BERNARD SHAW,
Jealous of Ground Rents, quick with Land to quarrel,
Seeking the fleeting bubble, Betterment,
E'en at Monopoly's mouth. And then the Premier,
High above Party, with a pleasant joke
On the predominant partner and his claims;
Full of light jests and modern mugwumpisms;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the smooth-cheeked, inexpressive Sphinx
With finger at her nose's knowing side,
DIZZY'S old pose well mimicked, "cute" and "wide,"
With a cold eye and an oracular voice,
Which, tuned to cynic lightness, puzzles much
The Radical OEipus. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Newmarket ROSEBERY, _Ladas_-owner, Lord,--
_Sans_ grit, _sans_ nous, _sans_ go, _sans_ everything!
* * * * *