Now gentlemen, of every kind,
Just step into my shop,
And, as I'm hard to pacify,
You'd better bring a sop;
I'll dress you up in any style
For which you choose to call,
But then, you must bring ready cash,
Because I shines for all.
I'm always ready for a trade,
No matter what its kind;
I'll dress you up so very neat,
If your bid suits my mind.
If, when I ask the custom house,
He says, "Give it I sha'n't,"
DAVIS and FISH I strike, because
I does not shine for GRANT.
Sometimes I send a little bill
For goods they have not had,
And if they do not pay at once
Then I gets awful mad.
Of public pap I'm very fond,
I'd like to get it all,
But, if they block my little game,
I does not shine for HALL.
I've lampooned every decent man,
Who with me would not trade;
I keep a little book account
Of those who have not paid:
So, if you don't enjoy free trade,
Don't listen to my call;
I'll give you good names for good pay,
Because I shines for all.
* * * * *
[Illustration: When you go to the theater, it is pleasant to have the
little boy of a rustic couple persist in feeding you with gingerbread
and orange-peel, and, if you request the little wretch to keep still, to
be told by his parents that you are "putting on airs."]
* * * * *