%images;]> lchtml-000705 My Lords are not aware.. ...: a machine readable transcription. Lewis Carroll Scrapbook, Library of Congress Selected and converted. American Memory, Library of Congress.

Washington, DC, 2003.

Preceding element provides place and date of transcription only.

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 Rare Book & Special Collections Division, Library of Congress. Public Domain

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 2004/03/23
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“MY LORDS ARE NOT AWARE.”

A Clerk in public pay, Who understands Red Tape, Should know the formal way, From question to escape; His answer needs no care, 'Tis pat as A. B. C.; “My Lords are not aware,” And “I have the honour to be.”

Strong magic words are those, His Chiefs in place to screen; Inquiry's grounds suppose The grounds of coffee green, Crimean army fare: This brief reply gives he: “My Lords are not aware,” And “I have the honour to be.”

It cannot be denied, The fact has made some noise, Our soldiers were supplied With underclothes for boys. The want of system there These words from blame will free: “My Lords are not aware,” And “I have the honour to be.”

If shot and shell were packed Above, and drugs below, No matter; though the fact Undoubtedly was so. Their Lordships, you declare, At least, were not at sea; “My Lords are not aware,” And "I have the honour to be.”

That hay is horses' feed, Is to their Lordships known; That hay our horses need, Their Lordships cannot own. Say, then, to all who dare, Of forage, lack to see, “My Lords are not aware,” And “I have the honour to be.”

Our gallant soldiers die Like sheep, consumed with rot, Some meddler asks you why? Of course, my Lords know not. You write—and you might swear, Of truth with some degree, “My Lords are not aware,” And “I have the honour to be.”

“My Lords,” there is no doubt, Are not aware of much; Could we not do without Their Lordships, being such? John Bull “my Lords” might spare: That's plain to you and me; “My Lords are not aware,” But we “have the honour to be.”