Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Politics, Government, Human Development, Medical Practitioners, Domestic Economy

    Likening the birth of the parliamentary reform bill to that of a baby, this poem is written from the perspective of a gossipy mother welcoming his birth. She begins by describing the delicate health of the baby's mother (the Houses of Parliament) and pondering the features of the child, wondering whether it will be 'as small and piney-whiney as its brothers' (i.e. other reform bills). While other mothers debate the potential of the child to live up to expectations, the 'Doctor talks so round-about' and looks 'so mysterus'. Concludes by pointing out that the 'hopes for the little ducky' depend on 'how they're nussed [nursed]' which takes so long in Parliament.