MONROE TO FARRAGUT.
Reading edition
By brutal force you've seized the town, And therefore the flag shall not come down. And having told you that it shan't, Just let me show you why it can't. The climate here is very queer, In the matter of flags at this time of year. If a Pelican touched the banner prized, He would be immediately paralyzed. I'm a gentleman born—though now on the shelf, And I think you are almost one yourself. For from my noble ancestry, I can tell the élite, by sympathy. Had you lived among us, sir, now and then, No one can say what you might have been. So refrain from any sneer or quiz, Which may wound our susceptibilities. For my people are all refined—like me, While yours are all low as low can be. As for shooting women or children either, Or any such birds of the Union feather, We shall in all things consult our ease, And act exactly as we please. For you've nothing to do with our laws, you know, Yours, merely 'respectfully, JOHN MONROE.'
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