Publicity

Speaking at Toowoomba, the Prime Minister pretended to be an- noyed by the attentions of newspaper cartoonists.

Nay, William Morris, sometimes
    when you speak,
With wildly waving arms and
    tongue in cheek
(A feat that's rather difficult, we
    own),
The list'ning crowd accepts your
    earnest tone.

But William Morris, clever as you
    are,
This time you carry it a bit too far.
With this you've ever shown that
    you agree:
Sweet are the uses of publicity.

Ah, William Morris; do you thus
    pretend
To hate those men who've helped
    you win your end—
Knights of the pencil who, through
    stress and strain,
Have pushed your fierce publicity
    campaign?

Poor pale cartoonists whose gaunt
    fingers creep
To limn your form unconsciously
    in sleep.
Even in sleep—so well accustomed
    they—
To help you (for a pittance) on
    your way.

Nay, William Morris, you are tak-
    ing bosh
To say you hate such friends, it
    will not wash.
Suppose, one day, they all agreed
    to cease
To limn that form? . . .
"Ware, William! Hold your peace!"