Tomkins! when revolving lustres Thin those shining locks that now Wreathe their hyacinthine clusters Round your intellectual brow,—
You who in your nobler station Still are kind enough to seek Our political salvation Rather more than once a week,—
Think you, will your rightful value Still be duly understood? Will the British Public hail you Always great and always good?
When the Peoples fight for Freedom And the tyrant’ s rage confront, Will they call for you to lead’ em? — No, my friend: I fear they won’ t.
Soon or late are Truth’ s apostles Laid upon their destined shelf; You, who talk of Ancient Fossils, Tomkins! will be one yourself:
Dons and Men with gibe and sneer your Ancient crusted ways will view, Wondering oft with smile superior What’ s the use of Things like you!
All the schemes that win you glory, Meant to mend our mortal mess — These will simply brand you Tory, Nothing more and nothing less:
You who waked the world from slumber, You, who shone in Progress’ van, You’ ll be then a mere Back Number, Obsolete as good Queen Anne!
You I see with zeal excessive Dying then for causes, which Now ( forsooth ) you call Progressive, In reaction’ s Final Ditch:
By Conservatives in caucus ( Ardent youth, reflect on that! ) Sent to stem the horrid raucous Clamours of the Democrat...
No: I do not wish to quarrel With your high exalted sense; No: there isn’ t any moral — Not of any consequence:
Only,’ neath your exhortations Passive while we’ re doomed to sit, Themes like these conduce to patience,— And I thought I’ d mention it.
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