(_A Poser for "Patriots."_)
["Our Trade is our Politics." Motto of the Licensed
Victualler, as publicly avowed at a recent "great Meeting."]
[Illustration]
DEAR Bung, that frank but huckster-like avowal
Is made continually, behind the bar.
It _means_--though rather "laid on with a trowel"--
A Trade with Public Spirit quite at jar.
The "mercenary politician," making
A pocket-business of a patriot's task,
Recently put your Press in a great taking;
But sordid selfishness here doffs all mask!
Which with a patriot's conscience plays most tricks?
Which most the venal virus has betrayed,--
The man who makes his Trade his Politics,
Or he who makes his Politics his Trade?
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