Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Engineering, Patronage, Government, Politics

    Begins by noting that, when Ferdinand, vicomte de Lesseps was planning the Suez Canal, John Bull refused to loan him any money and 'gave him and his big whim, / Alike, the "Cut Direct"'. Points out, however, that now that the canal is an 'accomplished fact', England 'Backs him' and expects him to 'Give us the "Cut Direct"'. Hopes he will smile at the cheering crowd 'So lately scornful'.