Now this (but we will whisper it aside)

Was—pardon the pedantic illustration—

Trampling on Plato's pride with greater pride,

As did the Cynic on some like occasion;

Deeming the sage would be much mortified,

Or thrown into a philosophic passion,

For a spoilt carpet—but the "Attic Bee"

Was much consoled by his own repartee.[783]