FIFES AND DRUMS
85
And they quickly passed the matter up, with one complete accord,
To the Roundabout Committee and the Circumlocution Board.
Now the Roundabout Committee sat and talked for weeks and weeks
On Methods of Preparedness among the Ancient Greeks
While the Circumlocution Board it scratched its thoughtful double chin,
And lingered late in wise debate on "Where Shall We Begin?"
A Patriot rushed in and cried, "The Foe is at our gate!"
But the Circumlocution Board replied, "Just tell him, please, to wait.
We're listening to an Army Plan devised by Senator Drool
