Politics

When man was man, and spoke his candid mind, No deep laid politics was then designed, For words convey'd the language of the heart, Nor claim'd enforcement from the aid of art; But times are alter'd, and it's now the mode Each forward fool with honors high to load, To turn the state politically right, And then to turn the shining day to night, Bluster politically to the crowd, And in the senate daring deep and loud; Canvass politically through the town, And knock impertinent mechanics down: The word is great—it bears a large import, As how to swagger boldly through a court, To get in office and the public cheat, And fatten up like hogs on public meat. By politics we are to understand, The dark cabals that undermine the land, For each low minion of usurped sway, Blots its intent, and wipes its worth away; Dark machinations cloak'd beneath its name Some empty praise demand in place of fame, To gloss the crimes politically done, Before to glaring turpitude they run.