AN ORIENTAL APOLOGY

When the hour was come Prince Chun arose,

And balanced a shoestring on his nose.

“From this some notion you will get,”

Said he, “of China's deep regret.”

Now balancing upon his ear

A stein of foaming lager beer,

“This attitude,” said he, “reveals

How very sorry China feels.”

Then spinning top-like on his cue,

“I can n't begin to tell to you

The deep remorse we suffer for

The death of your Ambassador.”

Next, placing on his cue a plate,

He said, as it‘ gan to gyrate:

“Nothing that's happened in his reign

Has caused my Emperor so much pain.”

Upon his back he did declare,

While juggling five balls in the air,

“This attitude — the humblest yet —

Expresses personal regret.”

Last, spreading out a deck of cards —

“Accept my Emperor's regards.

As our intentions were well meant,

Pray overlook the incident.”