Punch or the London Charivari, Vol. 98 June 7, 1890

Lord, that seems a biggish order! To stop it needs some struggle, and 'tis worth one. That poor East African Company's affronted, While Iron-clads and soldiers help the Teuton. Must they then be from the Nyanza shunted, And must I all their miseries be mute on, Because plain speech is what you call "embarrassing." Because unto the Teuton you're so tender? Must Englishmen in Africa stand harassing, And stoop to a calm policy of Surrender, And all that a proud Premier at Hatfield May play the SCIPIO--in this feeble fashion? My Lord, we did not win our spurs in that field. Upon my soul, it puts me in a passion; And not me only, but, as you'll discover, A lot of Englishmen who watch this drama. SCIPIO was not an indiscriminate lover, But it was he licked HANNIBAL at Zama. I bring you, SCIPIO, the East Afric beauty Captured and chained, but opulent and charming. You turn away! From sacred sense of duty? From fear of your (political) virtue harming? No! SCIPIO seemed ruled by honour's la