Peddling Poetry

There was once a lad, but I’ll not disclose His Christian or surname, who early rose To fame and to honor and gained renown For his native place, which was Boston town, By his wit, his wisdom, his gifted pen And the priceless inventions he gave to men. Fifteenth bud on the parent tree, Brothers and sisters to spare had he. His father, a maker of candles and soap, His brother, a printer,--I think I may hope That the name of the lad can be quickly told By every American, young or old. The boy was a reader and day and night He studied by fire and candle-light, In yellowing books that he scarce could hold Romances and stories of heroes bold. His brain was a field where gallants dared, Where war-steeds trampled and heroes fared. Now out of these visions he strove to frame, In musical verse that should bear his name Weird tales of adventure on sea and land; Of Blackbeard bold and his pirate band, Of haunted houses and dungeons deep,-- Such things as would make your flesh to creep! The elder brother struck off the verse,-- “The Lighthouse Terror,” “The Pirate’s Curse,” From his printing-presses and up and down Through the paths and pastures of Boston town, The proud little poet pursued his way, Crying “Verses! Who’ll buy any verse to-day?” The jingles were purchased both far and near Till the noise of them came to the father’s ear, And reading them all, ’twixt a smile and a frown, He said with his spectacles twinkling down On the reddening cheek of his fifteenth hope, “As a cure for your ailment, we’ll try Doctor Pope, For he who has once tasted Pope and admired His elegant verses hath never desired To take up the art for himself, unless he A similar master of English can be.” Thus spoke the wise father and gave to the lad The dose he thought fitting for verse that was bad. The cure was effective and never again Did the lad scribble verse with his eloquent pen. He grew to be famous, America’s pride; A nation mourned over his grave when he died. Now who was this statesman of great renown Who peddled his verses in Boston town?