"Let Art and Commerce, Laws and Learning die, But leave us still our Old Nobility!" Without them, in our democratic day, Who will the part of princely patriot play? Who else will keep a splendid Family Seat, And claim--for its defence--a mighty Fleet? Who else will make Bank Holidays a joy To wandering workman and to wondering boy? Who else will rear big fortunes upon Rent, Or palaces on Unearned Increment? Monopolise art's treasures and life's pleasures, And throw out dangerous democratic measures? Who else will keep up England's glorious name? Who else preserve her prestige--and her game? Who else will wear the purple and the ermine, And proudly stamp out Socialistic vermin? Who else in one grand field-day, 'midst the Peers, Undo the labours of _ig_noble years? Who else in solemn ranks, like three-tailed Turks, Defend the power of Privilege and Perks? And 'tis these most magnanimous Mamelukes, Our patriot Earls and foe-defying Dukes, A traitorous Chancellor would dare to--_Tax_!!! Ah! where's the dungeon, and oh! where's the axe? _Noblesse oblige!_ But sure the obligation Cannot involve that horror, Graduation! Is't not enough to rule, and guide, and bless, And soar as shining samples of Success? While with our Nobles England's glory waxes, The Proletariat's proud to--pay the Taxes! * * * * * LYRE AND LANCET. (_A Story in Scenes._) PART VII.--IGNOTUM PRO MIRIFICO. SCENE XII.--_The Amber Boudoir at Wyvern--immediately after_ Lady CANTIRE _and her daughter have entered._ _Lady Cantire_ (_in reply to_ Lady CULVERIN). Tea? oh yes, my dear; anything _warm_! I'm positively perished--that tedious cold journey and the long drive afterwards! I always tell RUPERT he would see me _far_ oftener at Wyvern if he would only get the Company to bring the line round close to the Park Gates, but it has _no_ effect upon him! (_As_ TREDWELL _announces_ SPURRELL, _who enters in trepidation_.) Mr. JAMES SPURRELL! Who's Mr.----? Oh, to be sure; _that_'s the name of my interesting young poet--_Andromeda_, you know, my dear! Go and be pleasant to him, ALBINIA, he wants reassuring. _Lady Culverin (a trifle nervous)._ How do you do, Mr.--ah--SPURRELL? (_To herself._) I _said_ he ended in "'ell"! (_Aloud._) So pleased to see you! We think so much of your _Andromeda_ here, you know. Quite delightful of you to find time to run down! _Spurrell (to himself)._ Why _she_'s chummy, too! Old Drummy pulls me through everything! (_Aloud._) Don't name it, my la--hum--Lady CULVERIN. No trouble at all; only too proud to get your summons! _Lady Culv. (to herself)._ He doesn't seem very revolutionary! (_Aloud._) That's so sweet of you; when so many must be absolutely fighting to get you! _Spurr._ Oh, as for that, there _is_ rather a run on me just now, but I put everything else aside for _you_, of course!