DEDICATION TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

Great Sov’reign, mightier far than king, Accept this off’ring which I bring. Thy humble servant would propose A novel theme in rhyming prose; Or, since my Muse flanks the sublime, Then be it named prosaic rhyme. No matter, if the thing shall please, Concerning names I feel at ease.

Muse, if you ever condescend To aid, in time of need, a friend, If ever I have sung a lay That charmed you on a happier day; If, with the fat of spitted priests, I have enriched your genial feasts; Or politician’s sav’riest part, Has warmed the “cockles” of your heart: Oh, grant me, now, this precious boon, (Again I may not ask you soon,) May I before the lieges spread The merits of the Copperhead! It is, indeed, a boon you ask, And mine will be an arduous task: The reptile’s name is legion; He every color can put on; He is a blackleg all complete, The people to delude and cheat; Pretends to be their faithful hack, Yet claps a saddle on their back And rides them roughshod through the mire, Not suffering them to lag or tire, But whips and spurs the patient jade, Which never can his yoke evade, Until, from high official chair He sees the gaping creatures stare Upon the riches he has fobbed From those he so adroitly robbed; Or in the Senate or the House, He sits with those who there carouse At your expense, and laughs to scorn The slaves who for his use were born. But though the task is hard, yet still, I owe you much for your good will; Then come, together let us wing Our upward flight, and boldly sing The strains which from my lips shall flow, I love to pay whate’er I owe.