["I do not wish to call Mr. GLADSTONE by a name which would
be both tasteless and pointless."--_Mr. A.V. Dicey's Letter to
the Times._]
Tasteless and pointless, DICEY? Well, the time _is_ out of joint,
And you were born to set it right, though _not_ with "taste" and "point."
We cannot all do all things, Sir, and if you save the State
(As the great Twin Brethren mean to in despite of HARCOURT's hate),
What _does_ it matter, DICEY, if your letters are not quite
In that style epistolary, which our fathers called "polite"?
'Tis a little too meticulous--in you--and rather late,
After giving Mr. GLADSTONE such a wholesome slashing "slate."
Take heart of grace, dear DICEY, and don't let Sir WILLIAM's "point"
In your tough (if tasteless) armour find a vulnerable joint.
"Old Timbertoes" won't trouble, Sir, to wish that _you_ were dead,
And his taste (_not_ point) forbids him to call you "Old Wooden-head!"
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