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1815.5
A New Song
Anon
The Morning Chronicle (April 5, 1815)
To the Tune of "Hosier's Ghost."
Now the busy Congress ended,
Home again the Statesmen run:
Europe settled—Gallia humbled—
Every act of duty done.
CASTLEREAGH returns triumphant,[1]
Full of diplomatic pride;
Tells the wondering House of Commons,
How his various arts he tried.
How he baffled all the Germans,
How the French confessed his skill,
How (consider what a blessing),
Hanover is England's still!
How besides he gained some acres,
Added to our old estate;
And the price, if weighed maturely,
Was not sure so very great.
We but broke our plighted promise;
We but left our old Allies;
Perhaps you'd say it was not honest,
We disdain such vulgar ties.
What if Genoa be deserted,
Forced a despot to obey;
What if Naples be not subject,
To its rightful Sovereign's sway.
What if Russia seizes Poland;
What if Saxony should fall;
What if still the Slaves indignant,
Loud for retribution call.
These are trifles—honour—Justice,
Are at best an empty name;
CASTLEREAGH by slighting such things,
Gains his Garter, and his fame.
On a sudden—see NAPOLEON
Bursts his fetters—breaks his chain;
What a pity all these wise heads
Should have laboured thus in vain.
In a moment—who'd have thought it,
All their hopes, ambitions crost;
They had sure forgot the proverb,
Reckoning then without their host.
April 4, 1815.