1852-1856 217 dated April 9,1851, was crushing. In fact, the prelates, with the exception of two or three, were mere marionettes on a string worked by the Prime Minister, but the Prime Minister was the servant of the populace. I wrote a piece of verse on the Marionette Player, the World, as a piper setting folk capering. " The Evening fell as I passed through the town, The streets were silent; and of folk were none That hurried home, or loitered, saving One Who whistling stood in a deserted square In patchwork garb, with fool's cap on his hair. Beneath his arm a well-adjusted rack, And at his feet a coffer coloured black. And o'er his shoulders dangled all the while, A mask impressed with a benignant smile, With arched brows, soft lips, and puckered cheek And double chin, and forehead smooth and sleek Then said I,' Sir, may I enquire your trade ? And for what purpose was this wood-rack made ? This parti-coloured suit, if I may ask, Fain would I know—this fool's cap and this mask ? ' He answered with a glow of pride and joy, * For pleasure and for profit serves this toy. See !'—And he set the frame upon the ground, Brushed up his fool's cap, swung the false face round, And from a pan-pipe drew a cheery sound. Attached a pack-thread briskly to his knee, Drew from his pocket puppets twenty-three ; 1 Then threaded them, and set them on their feet, Piped, and they capered in the darkened street. Tweedle dum ! my children, stay, Dance respondent, Marionettes ! Forward, backward, balancez Each one to his partner sets. Up with elbows, out with legs, Both way smiling, swing in reels, Look ! how nicely this one begs 1— Now spin round upon your heels ! Tweedle-dee ! upon your knees Meekly bow, and bend your heads, Asking, O ! dear master please, Put more feathers in our beds. 1 The Bishop of Oxford not reckoned in, for the reason already given.
