* * * * *

THE CANDOUR OF KEYNES.

(_Suggested by the perusal of "The Economic Consequences of the Peace."_)

There was a superior young person named KEYNES
Who possessed an extensive equipment of brains,
And, being elected a Fellow of King's,
He taught Economics and similar things.

On the outbreak of war he at once made his mark
As a "tempy," but Principal, Treasury Clerk,
And the Permanent Staff and the CHANCELLOR too
Pronounced him a flier and well worth his screw.

So he went to the Conference, not as a mute,
To act as the CHANCELLOR'S chief substitute,
And in this extremely responsible post
He mingled with those who were ruling the roast.

The Big and redoubtable Three, 'tis confessed,
By his talent and zeal were immensely impressed;
But, conversely, the fact, which is painful, remains
That they failed to impress the redoubtable KEYNES.

So, after five months of progressive disgust,
He shook from his feet the Parisian dust,
Determined to give the chief Delegates beans