From _The National Omnibus_, November 25, 1831. ―――― THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S TEAR. “We cannot help calling the attention of our readers to the following very touching melody, sung by the Duke of Wellington immediately on his discovering his inability to form an Administration. The allusion to his threatened retirement from the House, is replete with feeling; and the reference to the broken windows of Apsley House, pathetic and beautiful.” Upon his heel he turned, To take a last fond look, Of their lordships and the ministers, And the premier’s pleasant nook. He listened to the sounds So familiar to his ear, And the soldier on his protest leant. To wipe away a tear. Upon the sack of wool, Brougham was on his knees; He held aloft the snow-white Bill, That caused so many a breeze. He breathed a prayer to him―― A prayer he could not hear; But he paused to damn him as he went, And wiped away a tear. He turned to quit the House―― Oh, do not deem him weak; For bloody were the soldier’s thoughts, Though tears were on his cheek. Go watch the broken panes, Of Apsley, dark and drear, For there the soldier now must go, To wipe away his tear. _Figaro in London_, May 26, 1832. (At that time the Duke of Wellington was very unpopular, and Apsley House had been attacked by the mob.) ―――― THE BLUES AGAIN. Upon the ground he stood, To take a last fond look At the troopers as he entered them In Mister Dixon’s book. He listened to the neigh So familiar to his ear; But the soldier thought of bills to pay, And wiped away a tear. The soldier blew his nose, Oh, do not deem him weak! To meet his creditors he knows He’s not sufficient cheek. Go read the writ-book through, And mid the names, I fear You’re sure to find the very Blue Who wiped away the tear. _Punch._ 1845. (“Punch had hoped that the regiment had been extricated from its little pecuniary difficulties, but was horrified on finding that the Commanding Officer had given instructions to sell twenty very superior long-tailed troop-horses. The above lines were suggested to the mind of a sentimentalist who attended the sale.”) ―――― THE FOOTMAN’S NOSE. In the street he turn’d to take a last long look, Of the palings and the garden wall, where he the carpets shook: He saw the kitchen fire where oft he’d warm’d his toes, The footman bent upon his stick, and stood to wipe his nose.