"86, Eaton-square, London,--Sir,--My father begs to thank the Committee of the Executive of the Grand Lodge of England Good Templars for their resolution. No one honours more highly the good work done by them than my father. I must, however, ask you to remember that the common cup has in all ages been employed as a sacred symbol of unity, and that my father has only used the word 'drink' in reference to this symbol. I much regret that it should have been otherwise understood.--Faithfully yours, HALLAM TENNYSON." The following parody, adverting to this correspondence, appeared in _Punch_, April 1, 1882:-- SLOPS ALL ROUND! _Tennyson Teetotalised._ [The Manchester Good Templars having expostulated with the Poet Laureate for countenancing "in his latest so-called patriotic song, _Hands all Round_," the heathen and intoxicating custom of drinking toasts (in anything stronger than toast and water) it is understood that the conscience-stricken Bard has prepared the following "revised version" for the special use of the I. O. G. T's.] FIRST pledge the Alliance, friends, and then A health to WILFRID, champion dear! He honours best that best of men Who drinks his health in ginger-beer. May LAWSON'S jokes for ever live, With washier shine from day to day, He's Freedom true Conservative, Who Zoedone imbibes alway. Slops all round! Heaven the Wittler's hopes confound! To the great cause Teetotal, swig my friends, And the great name of LAWSON round and round! To Local Optionists who long To hold the land in leading-strings, By boldly banning liquors strong, For lemonade and such sweet things. To all who 'neath our watery skies, Would English wits with water whelm, To Toastandwaterdom's swift rise, Till the Good Templar rules the realm, Slops all round! Heaven the Wittler's hopes confound! To the great cause Teetotal swig, my friends, And the great name of LAWSON round and round! To all our Statesmen, so they be Forwarders of our League's desire, To both our Houses, if with glee They'll quench, in water, Freedom's fire, What odds though Freedom's flag _should_ sink, Whilst high the Temperance banner waves? Shall Britons bondsmen be to Drink Through fear of being Slopdom's slaves? Slops all round! Heaven the Wittlers' hopes confound! To the great cause Teetotal swig, my friends, And the great name of LAWSON round and round! * * * * * DRINKS ALL ROUND. (Being an attempt to arrange Mr. Tennyson's noble words for truly Patriotic, Protectionist, and Anti-Aboriginal Circles):--