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 OLD THINGS AND NEW; 
 
 OR. 
 
 ANCIENT FABLES AND MODERN MEN 
 
 A ^^ii^aiEii.^ 
 
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I I 1 1 n il 111 J W . 
 
OLD THINGS AND NEW; 
 
 ANCIENT FABLES AND MODERN MEN 
 
 ^ Sa^tfire 
 
 BALTIMORE: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY JOSEPH N. LEWIS, 
 
 No. 272 Market Street. 
 
 1835. 
 

 Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred 
 and thirty-five, by Joseph N. Lewis, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of 
 the District of Maryland. 
 
 JOHN D. TOr, PRINTER. 
 
OLD THINGS AND NEW; 
 
 OR, 
 
 ANCIENT FABLES AND MODERN MEN 
 
 In days of old^ if men from vice or pride, 
 Aspired to aught that Nature had denied; 
 If Vanity smirked out with pert grimace, 
 Or Avarice showed his lean, bewrinkled face; 
 If sober Dulness strove to pass for wise, 
 Or hollow Falsehood put on virtue's guise; 
 What e'er the mode, to suit the specious time, 
 Of lust, of pride, of folly, or of crime; 
 -^sop, with fables stored, was sure to suit 
 The varying vice, and shame it in a brute; 
 In bestial type each lust appeared again, 
 And brutes, in fables, seemed as mean as men. 
 
4 
 
 The fault, which each had else confessed with shame, 
 
 Self-love concealed, or gave another name; 
 
 Now in another, lowlier creature seen. 
 
 Shone, as it was, ridiculous, or mean. 
 
 Thus every vice was made itself confute. 
 
 And men learned wisdom from the bird and brute. 
 
 The time is now, since Satire long hath slept, 
 That this true mirror out of sight is kept; 
 The knave grown blind his baseness to descry, 
 Doth half forget his own deformity; 
 Cheats his own conscience by the partial view. 
 And hopes to pass by cheating others too. 
 
 Rise JEsop from the tomb! May not thy pen. 
 Strong to prevail before, prevail again.^* 
 Are there no longer foxes, asses, apes. 
 That use two legs, and walk in human shapes.? 
 Nor crocodiles, that whine with piteous tone. 
 And moan o'er sin, and murder as they moan? 
 Vultures with greedy eyes and talons bent, 
 That spy out misery to clutch a cent^^ 
 Nor hawks, nor harpies, still by plunder led.'* 
 Nor foul hyenas, that would spoil the dead? 
 
5 
 
 Unscourged by satire^ in presumption strong, 
 See bold imposture rise, and follies throng! 
 See vice progressive spread the rank abuse! 
 The sword unhandled rust for v^^ant of use! 
 Give but thy fables, -^sop! as for men, 
 Pll make the tally good nine times in ten. 
 
 In these fair days when reason's greatest boast, 
 Is of a little just to make the most: 
 When crowds on crowds, like phantoms in a dream. 
 And full as false, are careful but to seem; 
 When words for worth, when show for substance goes, 
 Friendship by smiles, and christians by their clothes; 
 When patriots push for places, but to prove 
 They love their country as themselves they love; 
 ^Tis well that all, or hypocrite or fool. 
 Meet soon or late — contempt, shame, ridicule. 
 
 When once an ass, — for asses will have pride, 
 Threw o'er his limbs a royal lion's hide; 
 Struck by the sight, and waiting not to scan, 
 The trembling beasts in wild confusion ran; 
 The silly ass the lion acted o'er, 
 And thought himself the beast whose skin he wore; 
 
6 
 
 But nature, honest still, the feint betrayed, 
 And all his triumph vanished as he brayed.* 
 
 Androgeo see! in robe official dressed; 
 The sceptre waves, and awe inspires each breast. 
 Alas! that peering eyes should e'er distrust 
 The waving sceptre and the robe august; 
 Else might the show in sweet delusion pass, 
 And none compare Androgeo with the ass. 
 
 Stupidio strives to gain a scholar's name. 
 Without his learning to enjoy his fame. 
 What art shall gain him in the public view 
 The praise of knowing what he never knew? 
 Thy kindness, Cambridge, shall the want supply. 
 And aid the fool to palm the specious lie; 
 With book in hand, that all the world may see 
 He walks in state — a reverend LL.D. 
 
 * An ass finding a lion's skin, disguised himself with it, and ranged 
 about the forest, putting all the beasts that saw him into a bodily fear. 
 After he had diverted himself thus for some time, he met a fox, and 
 being desirous to flight him too, as well as the rest, he leaped at him 
 with some fierceness, and endeavored to imitate the roaring of the lion. 
 Your humble servant, says the fox, if you had held your tongue, I might 
 have taken you for a lion as others did; but now you bray, I know who 
 you are. — JEsop, Fab. clxxviii 
 
As though the badge might dignify a dunce 
 
 With Johnson's worth;, since Johnson wore it once. 
 
 You who in phrase deject^ a croaking band, 
 Lament the dearth of learning in this land, 
 How arts and letters still at distance keep, 
 Nor dare for western climes the dangerous deep, 
 How foreign tomes alone delight the soul, 
 By Britons written, or from Britons stole. 
 Cease from your abject fears and false alarms; 
 Minerva reigns! uniting arts and arms. 
 What though Apollo, dubious to inspire. 
 Remote retires, nor owns a Western lyre? 
 What though the Muse, with each attendant maid. 
 Still lingering hovers near some favorite shade? 
 Nor grot, nor grove may woo her to abide 
 On Laurel's height, or Susquehannah's side? 
 Still shall Minerva reign, — forgot the Nine — 
 Still shall the bays the epaulette entwine; 
 With cloistered dome the stirring camp shall vie 
 New candidates for honors to supply; 
 
 ■TKsr 
 
8 
 
 By beating brains shall double fame be got 
 By Doctor Jackson* and by Doctor ScoTT.f 
 One campaign more on glory's shrine may lodge 
 A double wreath for thee too, Doctor Dodge !| 
 
 Who will not bless the goddess that imparts 
 Congenial union to these noble arts, 
 Who sees how well a learned warrior fights? 
 
 Who sees how well a learned warrior writes? 
 
 In Message, Protest, Proclamation views 
 
 Each varied style that twenty men would use; 
 
 Of fancy now and glittering figures full, 
 
 And now in argument abstractly dull; 
 
 * Dr. Jackson. — His excellency was made a Doctor, as every body 
 knows, by the University of Cambridge. He has given abundant proofs 
 of his scholarship. For the history of this degree, see the account of 
 that veritable chronicler. Major Jack Downing. 
 
 f Dr. Scott. — This gallant soldier received literary honors at 
 Princeton some years ago. I do not know whether it was a doctor's 
 degree or not, that was conferred. I venture to call him by that title, 
 for in case of a French war, he will not be long in earning it. 
 
 I Dr. Dodge. — Lieutenant Col. Dodge, who has distinguished him- 
 self as a brave and skilful officer in the wars with the Indians. If the 
 Sacs and Foxes should again become our enemies, the scalp of Black 
 Hawk will be worth a Latin parchment to the Colonel — to say nothing 
 of what it may do for him in a political way. 
 
Impassioned, cool, difFuse, sententious, dry, 
 With sage to reason, and with sophist lie; 
 Here blunt Fabricius* in each hne appears. 
 And now old MARiusf points insidious to his scars, 
 Happy the man in such perfections dressed! 
 Happy the country by such ruler blessedl 
 
 Ye bustling crowds of cheats, pretenders, quacks. 
 Who bear your tenderest feelings on your backs! 
 Whether from bleak New Englajs'd's coast you 
 
 come. 
 To try abroad each maxim learned at home; 
 (Who know so well, where merit fails, or sense, 
 To fill the place by ready impudence;) 
 Or from Britannia's distant island bring 
 Each in himself the virtues of a king, 
 
 * Blunt Fabricius. — An honest old Roman of whom an enemy said: 
 "It is easier to turn the sun from his course, than Fabricius from the path 
 of honesty." But it is easier to adopt the guise of Fabricius than to imi- 
 tate his actions. 
 
 f Marius. — Caius Marius who after having enjoyed five consulships 
 sought after a sixth with greater eagerness than he had shown for the 
 first. 
 
10 
 
 And deign with kindly charity to show 
 How uncouth natives may such virtues know — 
 How should the kindred Ass disclose your shame 
 If you might know the feeling save by name! 
 
 Behold SangradO;* sage^ with solemn look, 
 Discourse of arts and terms like any book; 
 Hates impudence^ and with a generous heat^ 
 Curses the quacks that prowl in every street; 
 Talks of his marvellous cures with nonchalance ^ 
 And still to strike each listener's wondering sense^ 
 PillS; powders^ potions^ names in words obscure — 
 The man is learned; let him kill or cure. 
 
 The imitating scribbler — what a host 
 Of such small fry infest this fated coast! 
 Servile and dull; his taste^ his knowledge gleans 
 From Scotch Reviews and British Magazines; 
 Swells as he views his puny thoughts dilate. 
 In pompous phrase, grandiloquently great; 
 
 * Behold Sangrado.— For the history of this learned physician, see 
 the Adventures of Gil Bias de Santillane. He had succeeded after 
 much labor in discovering a mode of treatment suitable to all diseases 
 alike, by which the art of medicine was wonderfully simplified. 
 
11 
 
 Or grows sublime on mystic flights intent^ 
 Or melts with touching words of sentiment; 
 What it all means^ though very fine no doubt^ 
 He cannot, nor his readers^ well make out: 
 Still to some model binds his genius fast, 
 Mostly to that which pleased the public last. 
 
 Hence droops neglected Literature — Behold! 
 In flaunting robe of tinsel gilt and gold. 
 High on that throne o'erhung by withered bays, 
 Where knelt with awe, the bards of other days, 
 Sits a lascivious dame! attendant there. 
 Soft maids in loose array with bosoms bare — 
 Usurping harlot hail! what sway is thine, 
 Since taste and art with their own Muse decHne! 
 Since at thy wanton smile and breath accursed. 
 Fled every Grace — Simplicity the first! 
 Since lustful Moore improved the easier art 
 To fire the sensual soul than touch the heart; 
 And maddened Byron — hapless son of strife, 
 Poured the loose lay, licentious as his life! 
 
 See to her throne a motley train advance! 
 Sons of Philosophy and pale Romance, 
 
12 
 
 By BiTLWER* led;, great Epicurean priest! 
 Worthy of lasting fame^ were man a beast; 
 Children of Fancy these^ of wings uncleft^ 
 Wrecks of soul-shattering passions^ reason reft; 
 Gorged with each sweet that sensual joys can give^ 
 FalPn out with life^ because unfit to live* 
 
 In these a maudlin inspiration glows 
 To vent profuse their poetry in prose; 
 To look with abstract philosophic ken 
 Far deeper into things than other men: 
 Skilful to show^ as ne'er was shown before^ 
 Worth in a villain^ virtue in a whore; 
 How very little^ on the liberal plan^ 
 The scoundrel differs from the gentleman; 
 How darkest crimes and tenderest sentiment 
 Congenial grow in one soft bosom blent; 
 How ancient rules of virtue and of vice 
 Mistaken are, too scrupulously nice; 
 
 * BuLWER. — E. L. Bulwer, Esq. author of Pelham, Devereux, Paul 
 Clifford, Eugene Aram, and other works. He appears to be at the 
 head of that new school of philosophy, whose aim is to give licentious- 
 ness the sanction of morality, and to infuse infidelity without alarming 
 the conscience. I should not go over the water to meddle with Aim, nor 
 with the others mentioned above, if the influence of their writings had 
 not gone beyond the limits of their native shores. 
 
13 
 
 Prompt at the word^ a kindlier scheme to show^ 
 In Pelham^ Clifford^ Eugene^ Devereux. 
 
 Such are the crowds that in the Muse's bower^ 
 Repeat gay orgies at the midnight hour. 
 Here amorous nymphs dissolve in pleasing cares^ 
 Soothed by the sounds of soft Italian airs; 
 Here poets learn the lisp— the well-bred stare^ 
 And saunter lounging with a jaunty air; 
 Or wanton^ loose^ by shame restrained no more^ 
 Toy with their mongrel Muse, that sentimental whore. 
 List^ the faint lay soft sentiment inspires! 
 Hark! bursting wild; as sensual passion fires, 
 See the flushed crowd, while throbs each panting 
 
 breast, 
 Tumultuous heave, and own the power impressed! 
 No native strain might move, of simple skill, 
 The unnatural craving calls for stimulation still; 
 Spurned the clear streams of pure Castalian spring, 
 Red floods of wine fit inspiration bring. 
 And maddening draughts of punch, gin toddy and 
 mint sling! 
 II. 'Tis said an Ass,— ^^The Ass again? you're rude.'^ 
 The fault's not mine, sir; asses will intrude — 
 
14 
 
 ^Tis'said an Ass — but how the story goes^ 
 You'll see in jEsop^* in good English prose. 
 ^^Granted the story read — I wish to know 
 What sense—what moral such a tale can show." 
 What moral? Look throughout this varied land! 
 See fit examples rise on every hand! 
 See crowds by this fooPs vanity betray ed. 
 To make themselves what Nature never made; 
 But most in demagogues you'll find it sway^ 
 With hideous bark to hide the native bray; 
 
 * You'll see in -Esop, &c. — The Ass observing how great a favorite the 
 little dog was with his master, how much caressed, and fondled, and fed 
 with good bits at every meal; and for no other reason, as he could per- 
 ceive but skipping and frisking about, wagging his tail, and leaping up 
 into his master's lap; he was resolved to imitate the same, and see 
 whether such a behavior would not procure him the same favors. Ac- 
 cordingly, the master was no sooner come home from walking about the 
 fields and gardens, and was seated in his easy chair, but the ass who 
 observed him, came gambling and braying towards him in a very awk- 
 ward manner. The master could not help laughing aloud at the odd 
 sight. But the jest was soon turned into earnest, when he felt the rough 
 salute of the ass's fore feet, who raising himself upon his hinder legs, 
 pawed against his breast with a most loving air, and would fain have 
 jumped into his lap. The good man, terrified at this outrageous beha- 
 vior, and unable to endure the weight of so heavy a beast, cried out; 
 upon which his servants running in with good sticks, and laying on 
 heartily upon the bones of the poor ass, soon convinced him that every 
 one who desires it, is not qualified to be a favorite. 
 
15 
 
 With gay F -h see blundering B n* vie! 
 
 See strivef with awkward grace to lie! 
 
 With labored rage^ see ranting R — hj grow warm, 
 And storm himself, in vain, to brew a storm! 
 
 Through faction's crowd as hot excitement glows. 
 Nor one in ten his proper station knows. 
 Restless, insatiate, fluctuating still. 
 Each shining lure attracts the waiting will; 
 Where place, power, lucre, unbestowed remain, 
 Darts the quick eye, and crowds the eager train; 
 
 * Blundering B n, &c. — By way of application, the compiler of 
 
 ^sop says concerning the last quoted fable. "Some men are as engaging 
 in their way as little dogs. They can fawn, wheedle, cringe, or if occa- 
 sion require, leap backward and forward over a stick, to the great emolu- 
 ment of their master, and entertainment of those that behold them. 
 But these are qualifications to which every body cannot pretend; and 
 therefore none but those who have a genius for it, should aspire to the 
 employment." It is a pity that the excellent admonition contained in 
 the last clause of this quotation is not better observed. 
 
 t See STRIVE, &c. — If this suits no one, let it mean no one. 
 
 I See ranting R h, &c. — This gentleman finding by the arrange- 
 ment of parties that, whether he would or not, his prospect was good 
 for private life, exerted himself with great industry and eloquence to get 
 up a new party, of which he might say in after time magna pars fax. 
 With this view, he suddenly discovered that Masonry was a great evil, 
 and threatened the destruction of the country. He conjured up phantoms 
 of terror in his own brain until he became frightened himself, and was 
 angry with other people because they would not be frightened too. 
 
16 
 
 What marvel then that many an awkward ass 
 Leaps^ brays and gambols to the master's face? 
 Since supple tricks are now of worth the test^, 
 And he receives the most who pleases best. 
 
 But not alone in politics appears 
 This folly worthy of the tapering ears. 
 
 Who in this varying age can be so tame 
 
 As own one calling and pursue the same? 
 
 Each views his neighbor's state with envious eyes/ 
 
 And deems in that less labor will suffice; 
 
 Nor choice^ nor chance award can please him long, 
 
 Himself mistaken was, or Nature wrong. 
 
 The city's joys^f the farmer's fancy fill, 
 
 The cit turns farmer and is wretched still; 
 
 The tinker tries the healing art to reach; 
 
 The sallow-visaged cobbler burns to preach; 
 
 * Each views his neighbor's state, &,c. — So Horace, Sat. 1. lib. 1. 
 '*Q,uo fit MsBcenas, ut nemo quam sibi sortem 
 Seu ratio dederit seu fors objecerit ill^ 
 Contentus vivat; laudet diversa sequentes?" 
 
 f The city's joys, &c Qui rure extractus in urbem est, 
 
 Solos felices viventes clamat in urbe. — lb. 
 
17 
 
 Some seize the pen^ like me^ with awkward paW; 
 And some like Teague 0'Regan=* study law; 
 But stilly exact^ a nicer case to borrow, 
 Who wrote that Dermot — what's the name? Mac- 
 Morrogh?! 
 
 Enough of follies, which preposterous grown^ 
 Fall with confusion on the fools alone; 
 We try not such by Satire's sterner rules; 
 We laugh, content to see them shine as fools. 
 
 But when a faction's rage, or rabble's cheer 
 Bids vain ambition shoot beyond its sphere, 
 Puts knaves in place, or sets a thing to rule 
 That honest Nature meant to be a tool; 
 The general fate entangles with his own. 
 While thousands suffer for the whims of one; 
 'Tis hard to laugh — although the thing is droll, 
 While shame and sorrow sway the indignant soul. 
 
 * Teague O'Regan. — For the history of this aspirant after legal 
 renown, see a book entitled '■'■Modern Chivalry,'' written I believe by 
 Judge Brackenridge. 
 
 f MacMorrogh. — A long and exceedingly dull poem about an Irish 
 story, but what the point or moral of it may be 1 could never exactly 
 ascertain, notwithstanding the Preface, which undertakes to show some- 
 thing about it. The public are aware that it was written by a distin- 
 guished man, who having for many years instructed the people by his 
 wisdom, must need at length caper a jig for their amusement. 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 The quack is food for ridicule 'tis true, 
 But should he deal his random strokes on you, 
 Or hurl with rash, accelerated doom, 
 A brother, son or parent to the tomb; 
 Say would you scourge, enraged, the foul offence? 
 Or only laugh to see the fooPs pretence? 
 
 Hapless Phaeton?* when by frenzy driven. 
 Thou would'st aspire to guide the car of Heaven— 
 The mighty task which power immortal needs; 
 The mighty task e'en power immortal dreads;! 
 
 * Hapless Phaeton, &c. — The story of this unfortunate youth may 
 be found at length in the second Book of Ovid's Metamorphoses. It may 
 be well enough here briefly to state that according to the fable. 
 Phaeton was the son of Apollo and Clymene. His divine descent 
 being disputed by one of his companions, he went at the instigation of 
 his mother to the palace of the sun, to obtain from his father some token 
 of his immortal origin. The god, delighted to see his son, swore by the 
 river Styx, (an inviolable oath) that he would grant him whatever he 
 should desire. Phaeton begged to drive the chariot of the sun for one 
 day. The sire, after entreating him with great earnestness to desist 
 from the fatal request, gave him instructions concerning the manage- 
 ment of the horses and the way he was to travel. The giddy youth 
 mounted the chariot; the horses soon sensible of the feeble hand that 
 held the reins, dashed off into unknown regions; all nature was disor- 
 dered thereby; the heavens and the earth were in danger of conflagration, 
 when Jupiter by a thunderbolt struck the ill-fated youth from his seat, 
 and once more restored order throughout the universe. 
 
 t Non tamen ignifero quisquam consistere in axe 
 
 Me valet excepto. Vasti quoque rector Olympi, 
 
 Qui fera terribili jaculatur fulmina dextr^. 
 
 Non agat hos currus. — Ov. Met. Lib. 2. Fab. 1. 
 
19 
 
 What fond entreaties of a sire distressed, 
 What terrors urge to cease the rash requestl 
 What anxious counsel points the proper way, 
 Of danger warns, and still entreats to stay! 
 Could no less gift a father's fpndness prove? 
 And must a father's folly speak his love? 
 Behold! in heaven or earth, or hell, my son. 
 Ask what thou wilt — 'tis thine — save this alone! 
 
 In vain, in vain! nor tears nor terrors stay; 
 He cracks the sounding thong and points the way. 
 See! mount the fiery steeds; the unsteady car 
 Sways bounding, wanting weight, through fields 
 
 of air;* 
 Quick from the accustomed track the coursers flew — 
 (For soon the steeds the master's absence knew)f 
 Tossed wild their heads, and with a snorting cry, 
 Cleft the light air and mounting scaled the sky. 
 Now struck Phaeton owns, but owns too late, 
 The wish accursed that moved him to be great; 
 
 • Sways, &c. 
 
 "Sed leve pondus erat." 
 
 Ov. Met. Fab. I. lib. '2. 
 
 t For soon, &c. 
 
 "Solit&que jugum gravitate carebat." 
 
 lb. ver. 16 2. 
 
20 
 
 Trembling he stands^ all sense^ all thought denied^ 
 Nor knows the way^, or knowing cannot guide;* 
 Loose fall the reins^ or snatched with sudden power^ 
 Balk the fierce steeds^ and irritate the more; 
 New terrors fill his breast^ new horrors rise^ 
 Reels the weak brain^ and hope within him dies. 
 Now in far distant realms^ where ne'er before 
 Glowed light" or heat^ unusual fervors pour; 
 Rushing through spheres where other orbs control^ 
 The power that should direct, distracts the whole. 
 Wondering the nations stood, aghast with fright, 
 Some scorched by withering heat, some wrapped in 
 
 night; 
 Old Afric burns with more than torrid fire; 
 Melt Scythia's snows and in thick mists aspire; 
 On cities, forests, now the flames descend. 
 Now cities, forests in one ruin blend: 
 Rivers dry up — seas boil with "bubbling groan,'' 
 And ocean heaves with pangs before unknown. 
 Earth writhing groans, and from her inmost womb. 
 Feels the hot curse and dreads the threatened doom; 
 
 * Nor knows the way, &c. 
 
 "Nee scit qua sit iter' nee si sciat imperet illis " 
 
 76. 6. ver. 170; 
 
21 
 
 But most $he grieves^ as ebbs her burning breathy* 
 That cause so vile should bring inglorious death; 
 Grieves that her life is lavished as a toy, 
 To ease the longings of a foolish boy. 
 
 For him, the fount — O misery unheard! 
 Of warmth that nourished, and of light that cheered, 
 Pours now its blasting fervors to consume 
 That world which heaven designed it to illume; 
 Blights where it blessed, and spread with terrors o'er. 
 Withers the life it had sustained before! 
 For him, creation totters, systems fall. 
 Nature expiring sinks, and chaos reigns o'er all! 
 
 Hapless Phaeton! vengeance e'en divine, 
 Rises to blast ambition such as thine; 
 
 * But most she grietes, &c. 
 
 "Si placet hoc, meruique, quid Otua fulmina cessant, 
 Summe Deum?" 
 
 Ov. Met. Lib. 2. Fab. 1. 
 The earth here indulges a very natural solicitude. For while glory 
 robs death of half his terrors, to die the victim of another's folly, is as 
 vexatious a thing as a man may well imagine. That a nation lose its 
 liberty is bad; but if liberty must be lost, most men, I presume, would 
 prefer that it should sink under the engrossing greatness of some 
 mighty genius, than that it should fall a sacrifice to the blindness, folly 
 and presumption of a blundering, self-conceited ruler. 
 
22 
 
 Lo! from the flaming track with thunder hurled,* 
 The wretch's ruin saves a burning world! 
 
 Androgeo look! if power may yet be thine; 
 In this true glass see thine own image shine! 
 Crowned from the field with honors richly won^ 
 Columbia, smiling, owned thee for her son; 
 Each offering free that warmest love might give, 
 Each fair reward a hero might receive, 
 Was thine to enjoy — yet spurning all away, 
 Thou too must guide the chariot for a day! 
 Like in vain pride, alike in mad design, 
 O! be an end unlike, Androgeo, thine! 
 
 Ah! false and fleeting hast thou found too well 
 The exulting joy, when Truth with Adams fell! 
 The loud huzza — the triumph of an hour, 
 The glare of glory and the shade of power; 
 Since hard the price his services to pay, 
 Whose well-trained legions turned the doubtful day, 
 
 I With thunder hurled, &c. 
 
 "Intonat: et dextr^ libratum fulmen ab aure 
 Misit in aurigam." 
 
 Ov. Met. Lib, 2. Fab. 2. ver, 8. 
 
23 
 
 To hold a sceptre which another wield^^ ^ 
 
 And yield for victory all that victory yields. 
 
 As once the steed that on the disputed plain 
 Warred with a rival stag^ but warred in vain- 
 Stung by defeat^ again he dares the attack 
 With one to help — a rider on his back. 
 Too late alas! he finds^ the battle won^ 
 Himself at once victorious and undone; 
 His course the well-fixed bit imperious guides, 
 And the rough rowels tear his bleeding sides.* 
 
 To other worthies turn we now^ and see 
 What food is found for -^sop and for me. 
 
 Whence came the sudden light so strong and clear, 
 
 That made of such a financier? 
 
 With rapid wisdom filled, with ardor fired, 
 
 So wise, so warm, you'd think the man inspired; 
 
 * The stag with his sharp horns, got the better of the horse, and 
 drove him clear out of the pasture, where they used to feed together. 
 So the latter craved the assistance of man; and in order to receive the 
 benefit of it, suffered him to put a bridle into his mouth, and a saddle 
 upon his back. By this way of proceeding, he entirely defeated his 
 enemy; but was mightily disappointed, when upon returning thanks, and 
 desiring to be dismissed, he received this answer: No, I never knew 
 before how useful a drudge you were; now I have found what you are good 
 for, you may depend upon it, I will keep you to it — ^sopj Fab. xxxiv. 
 
24 
 
 TruthS; reasons/ maxims never heard before, 
 
 Profuse he poured, and still had many more; 
 
 Plain common Sense stared, wondering as he spoke; 
 
 Whence hath he so much wisdom? not from Coke. 
 
 A simple tale the mystery unlocks; 
 
 In ^sop see — the Lion, xlss, and Fox.f 
 
 How doth the righteous senatorial vote, 
 Demonstrate in two ways a Goat! 
 
 * See a certain document which came from the Treasury Department 
 last winter. 
 
 t The lion, the ass, and the fox, went a hunting together in the 
 forest; and it was agreed that whatever was taken, should be divided 
 amongst them. They happened to have very good sport, and caught a 
 large fat stag, which the lion ordered the ass to divide. The assj ac- 
 cording to the best of his capacity, did so, and made three pretty equal 
 shares. But such levelling doings not suiting at all with the craving 
 temper of the greedy lion, without further delay he flew upon the ass, 
 and tore him into pieces; and then bid the fox divide it into two parts. 
 Reynard, who seldom wanted a prompter, however had his cue given 
 him sufficiently upon this occasion; and so nibbling off one little bit for 
 himself, he laid forth all the rest for the lion's portion. The royal brute 
 was so delighted at this dutiful and handsome proof of his respect, that 
 he could not forbear expressing the satisfaction it gave him; and asked 
 him withal, where he could possibly have learnt so proper, and so 
 courtly a behavior? Why, replies Reynard, to tell your majesty the 
 truth I was taught it by the ass that lies dead there. — Msop, 
 Fab , cxlvi. 
 
25 
 
 The fabled goat that in the cistern fell^* 
 
 By whose long horns the fox escaped the well; 
 
 Next^ the same beast^ he takes another shape^ 
 
 And seems a scape-goat^ — though he may not scape. 
 
 Would go acquitted as he came^ 
 
 With hands unsuUied and a spotless name; 
 While boding omens point the deep disgrace^ 
 For squandered funds and prostituted place; 
 Keen-eyed suspicion restless to inquire^ 
 Nor fate indulgent grant another fire? 
 To -^sop's mouse, my friend, observant turn; 
 Nor from the honest weasel scorn to learn. f 
 
 * A fox having tumbled by chance into a well, had been casting about 
 a long while, to no purpose, how he should get out again: when, at 
 last, a goat came to the place, and wanting to drink, asked Reynard 
 whether the water was good: good, says he; aye, so sweet that I am 
 afraid that I have surfeited myself, I have drank so abundantly. The 
 goat upon this, without any more ado, leaped in; and the fox, taking 
 the advantage of his horns, by the assistance of them as nimbly leapt 
 out, leaving the poor goat at the bottom of the well to shift for 
 himself. — Msop^Fab. xxiv. 
 
 * A little, starved, thin-gutted rogue of a mouse, had with much 
 pushing and application, made his way through a small hole into a corn- 
 basket, where he stuffed and crammed so plentifully, that when he 
 would have retired the way he came, he found himself too plump, with 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 The frozen serpent kindly saved from death, 
 As cheering heat revives, and vital breath, 
 Turns on his generous host with venomed strife, 
 And stings the breast that warmed him into life. 
 Lives there the man, Humanity, that wears 
 Thy sacred form, this reptile rancor shares? 
 To whom nor sign enstamped, nor marks belong, 
 To show the serpent as he glides along? 
 Nor hiss, nor rattling sound, nor baleful eye, 
 To warn of death and bid the victim fly? 
 Scorn, loathing, hate! O! find him! for you can. 
 The man doth live — ye Gods! and such a man! , 
 
 When he that rules^ assumes with honest zeal. 
 The nation's treasures for the nation's weal; 
 Crushes the Monster Bank, corruption's hold, 
 And for their rags doth give the people gold; 
 
 all his endeavors, to accomplish it. A weasel, who stood at some dis- 
 tance, and had been diverting himself with beholding the vain efforts 
 of the little fat thing, called to him and said: hark ye, honest friend, if 
 you have a mind to make your escape, there is but one way for it; con- 
 trive to grow as poor and as lean as you were when you entered, and 
 then, perhaps, you may get off.—Msop, Fab. xxxiv. 
 
 * When he that rules. — Query — Who? 
 
27 
 
 Asks their good help to purge th' polluted nest^ 
 Who will not listen to the fair request? 
 So great the good; so very small the tax. 
 Who dares affirm he wants a handle to his axe?* 
 
 The patriot R disdains all place and power; 
 
 Disdainful Reynard swore the grapes were sour. 
 
 You who would know that doctrine of the hour, 
 
 Responsibility by men in power; 
 
 See jEsop's story of the hunting crew^f 
 
 The royal brute doth give the text and comment too. 
 
 * A country fellow came one day into the wood, and looked about 
 him with some concern; upon which the trees, with a curiosity natural 
 to some other creatures, asked him what he wanted? He replied, that 
 he wanted only a piece of wood to make a handle to his hatchet. 
 Since that was all, it was voted unanimously that he should have a 
 piece of good, sound, tough ash. But he had no sooner received and 
 fitted it for his purpose, than he began to lay about him unmercifully, 
 and to hack and hew without distinction, felling the noblest trees in the 
 forest. Then the oak is said to have spoken thus to the beech in a low 
 whisper, Brother, we must take it for our pains. — ^sojp. Fab. xxxiii. 
 
 t The lion and several other beasts, entered into an alliance offensive 
 and defensive, and were to live very sociably together in the forest. 
 One day, having made a sort of excursion, by way of hunting, they 
 took a very fine, large fat deer, which was divided into four parts, 
 there happening to be then present, his majesty the lion, and only three 
 others. After the division was made, and the parts were set out, his 
 majesty advancing forward some steps, and pointing to one of the shares; 
 was pleased to declare himself after the following manner: This I 
 
28 
 
 The force of well-turned flattery would you know 
 On empty minds? You'll see it in the Crow; 
 This Merlin knows^ who knows each subtle art^ 
 To sway the will and taint the yielding heart; 
 Merlin the dark! Prince of the wizard tribe! 
 What hues may paint him, or what words describe? 
 In him the serpent and the fox unite, 
 Of that the venom and of this the sleight; 
 Unmoved by passion, save where envy fires, 
 Guilty when rash and mean when he aspires! 
 A face of blandishment — a heart of guile, 
 He frowns to scare, but murders in a smile. 
 
 seize and take possession of as my right, which devolves to me, as I am 
 descended by a true, lineal, hereditary succession from the royal family 
 of the lion; that (pointing to the second) I claim by, I think, no un- 
 reasonble demand; considering that all the engagements you have with 
 the enemy turn chiefly upon my courage and conduct, and you very 
 well know that wars are too expensive to be carried on without proper 
 supplies. Then (nodding his head towards the third) that I shall take 
 by virtue of my prerogative; to which I make no question but so dutiful 
 and loyal a people will pay all the deference and regard that I can 
 desire. Now, as for the remaining part, the necessity of our present 
 affairs is so very urgent, our stocks so low, and our credit so impaired 
 and weakened, that I must insist upon your granting that without any 
 hesitation or demur; and hereof fail not at your peri] — Msop^ Fab, vi. 
 
29 
 
 Nature these graces giving^ gave no more; 
 But fate to curse the country gave him power. 
 With him all men are either knaves or fools, 
 His lawful victims these and those his tools; 
 Low yet ambitious, eager but not bold, 
 What C^SAR gained by force, he seeks by gold. 
 Ask you why Merlin bribes, intriguing still? 
 Why to corrupt is safer than to kill; 
 The man loves power, will love it to his grave, 
 But niggard Nature never made him brave. 
 On power supreme he sets the steady eye. 
 Longs for the tempting height, yet fears to fly; 
 But stops not here, restrained, the dark design; 
 Who cannot soaring seize, may undermine; 
 Willing the guilt, but not the risk to share. 
 Like Burr to reign, but not like him to dare. 
 In that lone hour, see him his vigils keep. 
 When honest toil relaxing rests in sleep. 
 Now slow, retiring, with a stealthy tread. 
 Like some pale ghost from regions of the dead, 
 Through the closed door a withered form is flown. 
 And leaves the brooding statesman all alone. 
 
30 
 
 As o'er the loaded desk he casts his eye^ 
 Where papers^ notes and unsealed packets lie^ 
 Or walkS; or stops^ or starts with fitful pace^ 
 While swift emotions rise^ but leave no trace^ 
 Say doth his country's sacred care molest 
 His wakeful thoughts^ and fill his anxious breast? 
 Some threatened tempest steady to endure? 
 Some ill to cheeky some blessing to secure? 
 Might magic power unwrap that breast of might, 
 And drag each thought reluctant to the light, 
 What schemes, what plots might not that power 
 
 expose? 
 Which now half-muttered sounds unto the Muse 
 
 disclose. 
 ^Tower! aye let hypocrites and fools declaim, 
 To fools as vain, of honor, virtue, fame; 
 Those gilded rays that strength nor substance know. 
 Shot from a mightier orb that bids them glow; 
 Let others chase these ignes fatiii round. 
 Eluding long, evanishing when found; 
 Be mine the Power! the sohd substance mine, 
 Attractive force that holds, and heat divine. 
 
31 
 
 ^Tyrants^ whom most men execrable call, 
 Do in great things^ what thousands do in small; 
 High o'er the subject multitude they are 
 What all men fain would be^ but few may dare. 
 
 Whence the strong impulse that in every age^ 
 Hath made the saint^ the hero^ or the sage? 
 With thought impartial contemplate^ you'll find 
 The same that made the tyrants of mankind; 
 Though those we load with praises^ these with blame^ 
 In forms unlike^ the principle's the same; 
 Some follow fame and virtue for a throne, 
 None but a fool for their own sakes alone; 
 On every heart the love of sway impressed, 
 Each takes the way that suits his genius best; 
 Occasion here^ there chance^ direction gave, 
 And one a patriot lives, and one a knave. 
 The good Fayette a patriot lived and died-— 
 The throne was tottering ere he chose his side; 
 Did Vernon's Chief by patriot virtue rise? 
 The times were virtuous, and the chief was wise; 
 Why not usurp? the measure had been rash, 
 Men might not then be bribed — nor had he cash. 
 
32 
 
 ^^When patriot virtue in the public view^ 
 Shall gain the most^ I'll be a patriot too; 
 Upright^ consistent^ faithful to each trust — 
 Such men prevailing^ who would not be just? 
 Of toil; of care^ he pays the sacrifice^ 
 Who would be great by virtue or by vice — 
 The times decide — the man the likeness takes — 
 One age a Scipio — one a Cjesar makes. 
 What course is mine? these righteous times shall say, 
 These righteous times and thy example Clay!* 
 ^^When rank corruption festers through the land, 
 
 And ready tools come pliant to my hand; 
 
 When crowds are eager, as themselves they sold, 
 
 To truck their country, or their God for gold; 
 
 When throned in power a hoary Chieftain sits, 
 
 Whose fame, whose pride have long outlived his wits; 
 
 While I can turn secure behind the throne, 
 
 That pride, that glory to my use alone; 
 
 * Clay, — The life of this distinguished man, the calumnies too often 
 successful, that have been heaped upon him, together with the in- 
 gratitude with which his best services have been repaid afford no induce- 
 ments to any one to choose the thorny path of political honesty. 
 
33 
 
 Explain each law my purposes to meet^ 
 And bring the nation's treasures to my feet; 
 Shall I subservient^ choose the patriot's side, 
 Denying all, to be of all denied? 
 
 ^^If fate hath made the official Chief a tool, 
 Me hath the same ordained that Chief to rule; 
 Or venal, mean, unworthy to be free, 
 Hath made men slaves, it made them slaves to me. 
 But grant me honest — can I alter fate? 
 I only leave some other to be great; 
 Ye Powers, for what? to hve a patriot drudge. 
 For foes and fools to slander and misjudge; 
 Through life to toil, and every change of pain. 
 To die despised — my labors all in vain. 
 Nay worse! to see perverted from their end, 
 My well meant efforts turned some tyrant to befriend. 
 
 "Experienced, wise, in rigid virtue firm. 
 Let Adams rule, in strife, one paltry term; 
 Let Clay be honest, ever doomed to meet 
 His due desert, detraction and defeat; 
 Wise by their weakness, be it mine to sail 
 The stream along, before the moving gale. 
 5 
 
34 
 
 And since to me nor fate nor genius gave 
 
 The victor's sword^ my country to enslave; 
 
 JN"o beaming glory circling round my head, 
 
 JVo Orleans rescued^ no Tecumseh dead; 
 
 Why^ CEDUNT ARMA TOG^ — golden bribes! 
 
 For vanquished Britons, and for slaughtered tribes; 
 
 Speed fair my schemes! then let the world behold 
 
 An empire bought, and bought vrith its ow^n gold; 
 
 A fair transaction — this let laws attest, 
 
 And one great Safety Fund shall do the rest.'^ 
 
 He said; then seats him hasty to prepare 
 Papers for Hill, and paragraphs for Blair. 
 
 ^^But Where's the Fable? in your heat to throw 
 Your rancorous gall, you stray — you named the Crow;* 
 
 * A crow having taken a piece of cheese out of a cottage window, 
 flew up into a high tree with it, in order to eat it. Which a fox ob- 
 serving, came and sat underneath, and began to compliment the crow, 
 upon the subject of her beauty. I protest, says he, I never observed 
 it before, but your feathers are of a more delicate white than any that 
 I ever saw in my life. Ah! what a fine shape and graceful turn of 
 body is there. And I make no question but you have a tolerable voice. 
 If it is but as fine as your complexion, I do not know a bird that can 
 pretend to stand in competition with you. The crow, tickled with 
 this very civil language, nestled and wriggled about, and hardly knew 
 where she was; but thinking the fox a little dubious as to the particular 
 
35 
 
 Who is Sir Reynard^ voluble to please? 
 
 And who the silly bird that drops the cheese?" 
 
 Have patience — ^you shall hear — '^Thls Merlin 
 knows — '' 
 Ah! there the tale begins — let him disclose. 
 
 ^^Illustrious Chief!" thus flows the soothing strain, 
 ^^All praise above, to thee all praise is vain. 
 Thou second Washington! yet phrase reversed, 
 Art to my mind, a greater than the first; 
 Greatest and Best! Bright Hero of two wars! 
 With glory covered as with glorious scars; 
 Born to command! of half the world confessed 
 The living boast, and envy of the rest; 
 In soul a Roman, and in conquest too, 
 Victorious o'er thy victors, Waterloo! 
 O! might'st thou great, with equal promptness wield 
 The wand of State and thunders of the field; 
 Adapt the skill in guiding troops displayed. 
 To treaties, tariffs, treasury and trade; 
 
 of her voice, and having a mind to set him right in that matter, began 
 losing, and in the same instant, let the cheese drop out of her mouth. 
 This being what the fox wanted, he chopped it up in a moment, and 
 trotted away, laughing to himself at the easy credulity of the crow. 
 
 ^sop, Fab. ix. 
 
36 
 
 Dart through finance's maze that piercing eye^ 
 That bids deserter hang or skulking spy; 
 How would'st thou shine a paragon complete! 
 Equal in all things and in all things great! 
 What place were thine on glory's burnished page, 
 Light of the world, and every coming age! 
 First of the wise, and bravest of the brave, 
 That walk the world or slumber in the grave!" 
 
 As poured the^well-tuned periods in his ear, 
 The Chief complacent sits and leans to hear; 
 Then restless rose, to show how well he knew 
 Who could do some things might do others too; 
 Burning his varied talents to display. 
 He hastes, nor deems that Merlin points the way. 
 Now from his lips unheard of doctrines fall; 
 Who would be great must be original; 
 Now feels each well-adjusted wheel his hand; 
 Languish their motions, or impeded, stand; 
 Now thundering vetoes following vetoes roll, 
 Unit's the word — he'll simpHfy the whole. 
 
 "If powers co-ordinate in a nation reign. 
 Who shall the action of those powers restrain? 
 
37 
 
 Each equal^ each a separate motive sways. 
 Yoked back to back, and pulling different ways; 
 If all move not to some superior will, 
 The course is zig-zag, or the car stands still; 
 Confusion all! these clogs and checks and wheels, 
 Stop but the least, the whole machinery reels. 
 Let one great wheel give motion to the rest, 
 Of all machines the simplest is the best. 
 ^^These are my principles — I'm frank,'' he cries, 
 Then swells and struts to see himself so wise; 
 So quickly wise — so soon a statesman grown, 
 Nor once can doubt each principle his own. 
 
 As some poor hen, her days of laying o'er, 
 Receives of serpent's eggs a goodly store; 
 She bustling, busy, every care supplies. 
 And soon regards them with maternal eyes; 
 Warms the foul nest, nor food, nor respite takes, 
 Till lo! to bless her toil — a brood of snakes!* 
 
 * A hen finding some serpent's eggs in a dunghill, sat upon them 
 with a design to hatch them. A swallow perceiving it, flew towards 
 her, and said with some warmth and passion: are you mad, says she, to 
 sit hovering over a brood of such pernicious creatures as you do? Be 
 assured, the moment you bring them to light, you are the first they will 
 attack, and reek their venomous spite upon. — ^sop, Fab. clix. 
 
38 
 
 Why farther tell the tale — how arts like these 
 Which most do ruin as they most do please^ 
 Resistless sway^ till patronage and power, 
 And warlike fame, fair Freedom's dread of yore 
 Abused, degraded, aim with traitorous spleen, 
 The thrust insidious and the blow unseen. 
 The "fool of fame" unconscious all the while, 
 Tool of deceit, and victim of a smile; 
 Nothing but glory meets his dazzled eyes, 
 Nothing he knows but that himself is wise; 
 Slave of directing power, while seeming free, 
 He works that ruin which he cannot see. 
 So Troy's proud towers that ten years war had stood, 
 Tottered and fell before a foe of wood; 
 So Macedonia's king of old hath shown. 
 Laden with gold, an ass may take a town. 
 
 Of chartered right and lust restraining law. 
 Of Freedom's spirit which the worst might awe, 
 The more by him destroyed, the less remains 
 To be destroyed, you know, when Merlin reigns; 
 Each claim advanced, each power usurped before. 
 Become the means legitimate of more; 
 
39 
 
 The startling creed which once had shocked to hear, 
 Now oft proclaimed, moves not th' accustomed ear. 
 ^^^Tis mine to judge the law/' the Chieftain said: 
 And laws perverted lend unwilling aid: 
 
 Does squander with subservient zeal? 
 
 The laws allow it, for the public weal: 
 Does tool of power with lawless hand advance 
 To seize the treasury? 'tis all finance; 
 And powers of all in one Department blent, 
 Mean just — to simplify the Government. 
 
 When Rome's young tyrant, yet to power unknown, 
 For warlike Pompey* reared almost a throne, 
 Toiled he for Pompe y's interest, think you, or his own? 
 When Merlijnt — ^^JVay enough — 'tis plain as light — 
 You're moved by venomed spleen in what you write; 
 If things are so — Merlin the knave you say. 
 Why have not other men observed it, pray? 
 
 * For warlike Pompey, &c. — *'Two great men spoke in favor of 
 the law, (the law conferring almost absolute power upon Pompey in 
 carrying on the war against Mithridates) namely Cicero and Cossar. As 
 for Caesar, he was delighted to see the people insensibly lose that 
 republican spirit and love of liberty, which might one day obstruct the 
 vast designs he had already formed." 
 
 See Langhorn's Plutarch, vol. iii. p- 183. 
 
40 
 
 The spirit of our Fathers! doth it sleep? 
 Nor crush such reptile^ if such reptile creep?" 
 
 Ay 6; call again! invoke that parted ghost, 
 As weeping Troy her loved Palladium lost! 
 As mourning voice along the dreary shore 
 HylaS; the long bewailed, beheld no more! 
 Lo! at the sound, responsive to thy prayer, 
 What darkened demon cleaves the rushing air! 
 Spirit of Party thou! nor fiend more fell 
 Or broods o'er earth, or more congenial hell; 
 Of Freedom's fate dark minister! Behold, 
 At Merlin's call his dusky wings unfold! 
 See his black train, obedient to the wand. 
 Spread through the air and darken all the land! 
 
 The spirit this, ah! how potential grown! 
 That now usurps what once was Freedom's own; 
 And patriots wise, their country's friends no more 
 Bow to the Monster and confess his power. 
 Venal and vile, whom no dread care annoys. 
 Though Merlin plots and old Orleans destroys. 
 What is't to you, trim dealers of the day! 
 Though fall your country if secure your pay! 
 
41 
 
 See on the field in military style, 
 The mercenary band in rank and file! 
 Through the whole host exact discipline reignS; 
 Each knows his duty, as he knows his gains; 
 One common passion burns in high and low, 
 Bids all together stand, together go. 
 
 Though treason plots, and many a villain knows it, 
 'Tis not the party's business to oppose it; 
 Admit the nation's money, power and laws. 
 Perverted, aid a vile intriguer's cause — 
 Subservient grant, a supple slave. 
 
 And sneaking , a consummate knave; 
 
 In secret power though low-lived menials crawl, 
 
 Cooks mount the stairs, and sculHons rule the hall; 
 
 Though reason, faith, right, constitution, all 
 
 Stand unregarded, or uprooted fall — 
 
 What of all this? Shall those who chance to spy it, 
 
 Stand by their country, and lose money by it? 
 
 Let dull-eyed fools the patriot's portion choose — 
 
 Who serves his country, God knows, oft will lose — 
 
 No, no, a safer, easier method lies 
 
 For him that studies poHtics to rise; 
 6 
 
42 
 
 Enlist with Merlin^ and your way is clear — 
 His funds are twenty millions every year. 
 
 Graced with a collared band, see Billy shine! 
 And here^ good Colonel^ be this contract thine. 
 Peter will slip a bribe with clever grace — 
 The man has merit^ and must have a place; 
 What fair rewards Publicio's service wait.? 
 Superior worth is his — he sways a State — 
 In brightening honor on his vision beams 
 The robe judicial^ or thy Court, St. James! 
 
 Nor let the humblest, meanest hack despair; 
 No service passes unrewarded here. 
 While high aspirants look to rise still higher. 
 The simple constable shall be a ^squire; 
 Doth Dicky make himself a useful beast? 
 Dicky shall be a post-master at least. 
 Prompt, pliant, that's enough — ^your pay is sure — 
 Bear witness S h, G n, and many more! 
 
 With foes like these, so marshalled and so paid. 
 What hope is thine, fair Freedom! what thy dread.? 
 Lives there the man, alas! unenvied parti 
 Dares love his country with an honest heart? 
 
 wmm 
 
43 
 
 Firm to his aim^ pursues her interest stilly 
 Through faction's frantic rage and fortune's ill; 
 Unswerved; undazzled^ unbeguiled^ unpaid. 
 To none subservient, and of none afraid? 
 More woes are his, and worse than e'er befel 
 Herc'les on earth, or Sisyphus in hell. 
 Hate, envy, rage, which nought but death may tame, 
 Suspicious friends, e'en good deeds turned to shame, 
 Revenge remorseless, such as fiends might feel. 
 Or rogues detected as they meant to steal. 
 Unmasked deceit, and baffled malice turn. 
 Like angered serpents which the foot might spurn; 
 Round him the blood-hounds howl; each blow ac- 
 cursed. 
 Aimed at his country, strikes his generous bosom first. 
 
 Thus, as though all depended on his fate. 
 Like Cato, honest, and like Tully, great — 
 Thus the vile bands whom power and plunder pay. 
 Pour the full flood of calumny on Clay. 
 
 There are, who say His thus in every age; 
 Where Freedom sways, that factions still must rage. 
 
44 
 
 What! call that watchful spirit which observes 
 Each erring orb^ and checks it when it swerves, 
 Jealous of chartered rights for their own sakes, 
 By the same name that furious faction takes? 
 
 Whence this disease that saps the nation's health? 
 What, in this land? Behold! the lust of wealth. 
 See it, as though from earliest ages old, 
 Like some broad stream in gathering torrents rolled, 
 SwolPn^ sweeping, fierce, each tributary past. 
 Burst o'er this fated land in floods disgorged at last. 
 
 Spirit of Evil! in all time accursed. 
 First, latest foe of Freedom, and the worst — 
 Not when thy magic power in olden times. 
 Might shield from justice e'en Jugurtha's crimes; 
 Not when in venal Rome, set up to sell, 
 Th' imperial robe on purse-proud Didius fell, 
 Was sway more potent thine — though here, 'tis true. 
 Hypocrisy conceals what there was brought to view. 
 
 Wealth! 'tis the measure of all human worth, 
 Giver of greatness, substitute for birth. 
 The aim of action, burden of all care, 
 The youth's ambition, and the old man's prayer. 
 
45 
 
 To this, each generous thought, and noble flame, 
 Faith, justice, conscience, and an honest name. 
 Blood, bones and bodies animate — the ties 
 Of kin consanguine, which from nature rise, 
 All tributary — all allegiance hold, 
 All well exchanged, if bargained all for gold. 
 
 Gold, like philosophy's long studied stone. 
 Gives all it touches virtues like its own. 
 This o'er Philemon's baseness throws a screen. 
 And but for this Mercator would be mean; 
 For this, the only true pursuit of life. 
 One takes the "6me^^," and one a wife; 
 For this, o'er all the world the Yankee flies, 
 For this he teaches, preaches, peddles, lies; 
 This adds new charms to Stupid's silly face, 
 This gives old Mouser's dowdy daughters grace. 
 
 Prime passion of all age! where glitters gold, 
 There press the youthful, and here crawl the old; 
 In sire and son, concord ing passions blend. 
 Though that delights to hoard, and this to spend. 
 ^^My son, get wealth," the careful father cries; 
 "When yours is spent," the hopeful youth replies. 
 
 m 
 
46 
 
 See the young heir^ determined to be grand; 
 Mount the high box and rattle four in hand! 
 Each gazing clerk admires the grace divine^ 
 And sighs^ ye gods! when shall such fate be mine? 
 
 ^Tis said; we've no nobility^ nor ranks- 
 Faith; Pm not sure — we've Presidents of Banks — 
 Stately and stiff on 'Change stalks Peter Snook — 
 PeteR; in heart at least; is full a Duke; 
 Though somewhat vulgar; yet old Simon PurL; 
 If he could read; might answer for an Earl. 
 
 Wealth; wealth alone; can hold the crowd in awe. 
 Direct opinion; and control the law. 
 "Plate sin with gold;" 'tis Shakspeare's self that speakS; 
 "And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks." 
 Laws are like cobwebs, says the maxim true. 
 Weak flies are caught; while stronger wasps break 
 
 through. 
 ElsC; how could Codrus favor find; and rank — 
 Rich from the ruins of a broken bank? 
 The earnings feW; which hardy toil requitC; 
 The orphan's portion; and the widow's mite; 
 
47 
 
 The pittance^ fondly trusted to assuage 
 
 The ills of sickness or decaying age. 
 
 Swept in the swindling gulf, are seen no more — = 
 
 Or only seen to swell his bloated store; 
 
 To free from law^ and from the town's reproach, 
 
 And screen a scoundrel in a gilded coach. 
 
 I said that wealth doth give opinion aim — 
 There's Peter Plum can testify the same. 
 Worthy and honest men, whene'er they meet, 
 Will touch their hats to Peter in the street; 
 Yet he'll not stick to shave at cent per cent, 
 Or sell a widow's only bed for rent; 
 Talk not to Plum of pity to the poor — 
 His simple aim is to be rich — no more. 
 Though drinking damn each bloated soul to hell. 
 He will sell gin, as long as gin will sell. 
 
 Dick lives in state — and now you never hear 
 That Dick, in right, doth owe the State an ear; 
 'Tis wonder how his fortunes grew so high — 
 Five years ago, he was as poor as I — 
 ^^O luck, sir, luck! — a lucky hit at times. 
 Will make more money than a load of rhymes 
 
 r'JI- -^TC^M,.-:*, , 
 
48 
 
 ^Tis true^ some speak of — though^ 'tween you and mC; 
 'Twas never proved — a clipper sent to sea; 
 Unfounded rumors will prevail^ you know" — 
 Besides, it happened many years ago — 
 True or not true — what matters? — all can tell 
 He is a clever fellow, and lives well." 
 
 Here then we rest — and this true maxim claim — = 
 Men's fortunes are a parcel of their fame.* 
 Luck; luck, will hide — though mean the dog that wins, 
 Like charity, a multitude of sins; 
 If fail a dirty scheme — the man's a knave — 
 Successful — rank him with the wise and brave — 
 Oh! aye, he's keen, 'tis said — though fair, no doubt — 
 Smuggling's no crime at all — if not found out. 
 
 ^Whence all this bile? what is't to you or me. 
 Though Dick contrives to 'scape the pillory! 
 You rail in vain— not all your canting rhyme 
 Will make you richer, or amend his crime." 
 Let all like him a timely warning take — 
 Though justice sleeps — Satire is wide awake. — 
 
 * Shakspeare has a similarphrase, and perhaps a better 
 
 "I see men's judgment are 
 A parcel of their fortune." — Ant. and Cleopatra. 
 
49 
 
 Ye who, bold thieves, when cash and credit fail, 
 Like villians steal — like villians go to jail; 
 Pilfer a purse, and share it with your whores; 
 Or break a bank, by breaking through the doors; 
 Not like some honest men who fail to pay, 
 And do the business in a business way; 
 And you, ye gaming, sharping, black-leg band! 
 Minions of plunder! locusts of this land! 
 Pursue your callings — fob or forge a note, 
 Lie, swindle, swear, cut pockets or a throat — 
 If to your haunts you keep, and ne'er profess 
 To pass for gentlemen by dint of dress — 
 Safe, live and flourish on — from Satire free. 
 Nor, shrinking, dread one cutting lash from me; 
 Reproof I've none to give you — nor advice — 
 I leave you to the Law, and Justice Brice.* 
 
 For other knaves I wield, in justice strong. 
 The mingled shafts of Satire, and of Song; 
 For purse-proud guilt, which no restraints may awe 
 Of faith, of right, of reason, or of law; 
 
 * His Honor Judge Brice, of the Baltimore City Court. 
 
 7 
 
50 
 
 For fawning hypocrites^ that cheat and smile^ 
 And make long prayers — so holy all the while — . 
 Play all the rogue^ yet keep an honest name, 
 And reap the gains of guilt, without the shame. 
 
 Mighty the task! yet whither shall I go? 
 What Muse invoke, to nerve another blow? 
 The Muse — not thou, nymph of the tawdry robe! 
 The Muse — Heaven bless her! is as poor as Job — 
 My country's Muse! if such a Muse there be — 
 If not, my Country, let me turn to thee! 
 Land of my sires! within whose youthful breast, 
 Fair Freedom finds her last congenial rest; 
 Land of the brave! if aught may yet remain 
 Of first-born flame to fire thy sons again — 
 Unknown, unfriended, none to love beside — 
 Thou art my joy, my passion, and my pride! 
 Whatever of good, whatever is mine of worth, 
 Thou gav'st each blessing, for thou gav'st me birth; 
 Grateful I come, and zealous to repay, 
 Devote my life, and dedicate my lay! 
 For thee, for thee, forgot each meaner care. 
 For thee I've dared, what none beside would dare — 
 
51 
 
 Dared to expose, in guilty shame confessed, 
 And bruise the serpent writhing round thy breast. 
 This boon be mine — to know, though wrath remain, 
 The blow by thee approved, nor struck in vain. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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