Punch: Punch (96.1889)

26

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

[January 19, 1889.

LITTLE ROSEBERY’S SONG.

( With acknowledgments to the Author of “ Little Buttercup.”)

“ It requires a great deal of energy to sweep anything.”—Lord Bosebery's Speech on County Councils.

Little It. “Please stare a Vote fop. your honest City Crossing Sweeper!”

Enter Little Rosebery, with big broom in his hand.
Recitative.

Hail, County Councillors, Lope of the nation,

Who ’ll help reform, and put down peculation !
Whate’er your Party, you can well afford
To welcome Little Rosebery at your Board.

Aria.

For I’m called Little Rosebery—smart Little Rosebery.

Some sneering Tories ask, “Why ? ”

But still I’m called Rosebery—’cute Little Rosebery,
Sleek Little Rosebery, I!

Whate’er your opinions, in your new dominions
I hope you will deign to find room,

(Since streets in your keeping will need so much sweeping)
For me and my useful new broom.

My case is most critical; if on political
Grounds I your suffrages sought,

I fear at a handy date, I, as a candidate,

Likely to naught should he brought.

But who’d ask his barber, “ My friend, do you harbour
Or not, matrimonial desire ? ”

“ I claim clear response, or you are not my tonsor.”

Then why, friends, my Party require ?