Cackle

CACKLE, v.i. To celebrate the birth of an egg.

They say that hens do cackle loudest when

. There's nothing vital in the egg they've laid;

. And there are hens professing to have made

A study of mankind, who say that men

Whose business is to drive the tongue or pen

. Make the clamourous fanfaronade

. O'er their most worthless work; and I'm afraid

In this respect they're really like the hen.

Lo! The drum-major in his coat of gold,

. His blazing breeches and high-towering cap,

Imperiously pompous, "bloody, bold

. And resolute"-an awe-inspiring chap!

Who'd think this hero's only warlike virtue

Is that in battle he will never hurt you?

2009 Update: To argue as the fowl argues or laugh as the witch laughs, or to contemplate as Lou Dobbs contemplated.