[A learned Judge is recently reported to have anxiously
inquired the meaning of "high-tea."]
His Lordship looked puzzled. He ransacked his brain;
His once beaming brow was contracted with pain.
Till my Lord stopped the Counsel, in saying, "Let's see,
Before you proceed, what is meant by 'high-tea'?
"I was called to the Bar such a long time ago!
But I flatter myself that I've learnt now to know
All the ropes pretty well, yet completely at sea
I confess that I am with this curious 'high-tea.'
"Now I own that I know an Oxonian 'wine,'
Though a 'cocoa' at Newnham is more in my line,
Whilst dinner and lunch are familiar to me.
So is supper. But what--tell me, _what_ is 'high-tea'?"
The Counsel explained in his very best style,
(Though he often indulged, on the sly, in a smile,)
And the Judge was as eager as eager could be
To learn all the rites that belong to "high-tea."
But the sequel to all was a square little note
Next day from a blue-blooded Duchess who wrote
To the Judge, and this Dame of the highest degree
Had invited his Lordship to come to--HIGH-TEA!
* * * * *