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'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."