Classic Poem

While Nature mocks her truths with mimic shows,
And plays the Harlequin when most she weeps,
What wonder that in Men of State there leaps
Desire to act upon fantastic toes
Their tragic part, and mock a nation's woes
With grave burlesque? Now Sebastopol rings
The terrible reality of things,
It is proclaim'd. " The Conferences close"!

No more, Vienna! shall five little men
Meet in thy halls,