The dismal repute of their leader proves to be a source of great amusement to your people. A deeply unflattering and instantly unforgettable rhyme, which casts aspersions on both your mental prowess and your body odor, is now chanted in streets throughout the land. The children sing it as they play, the workers murmur it as they toil, and even the elderly wheeze as they laughingly recount it to one another. How should you respond to this rhythmic ignominy?
Fines for anyone overheard sharing the disrespectful rhyme. Until the ditty dies, the public purse will benefit.
Any reaction will only provoke a worse response. Let people have their fun—surely they will soon grow tired of it.
Give a humble speech acknowledging past failings, but emphasizing that, if everyone pulls together, sunlit uplands await.