Classic Poem

" Murder will out: " — and so will truth sometimes;
For once I'll prove it in a dozen lines. —

At one of those parties where Julia's sweet face
Added interest to beauty, and archness to grace,
Where many fine folks met; and one very great,
Proud and stupid, an embryo minister sate;
Like a damper he came to put good humour out,
And it chanced that, as Julia's pet-bird flew about.
It presumptuously 'lit on this mighty man's head;
When her lore-laughing sister, sweet Eleanor, said,
" Naughty bird! I must cage you for being so rude,
On Lord — — — head, oh! how dare you intrude? "
" Let it rest, " replied Julia, with an exquisite grace,
" Don't frighten it off — for it likes a soft place! "