To The Democratic Country Editors[157]

On a Charge of Bribery

You, Journalists, are bribed--that's clear, And paid French millions by the year; We see it in the coats you wear;

Such damning, such convincing proof Of such a charge, is strong enough-- Your suits are made of costly stuff.

Dear boys! you lodge in mansions grand-- In time you'll own six feet of land, Where now the sexton has command.

Your lodging is in garret high; But where your best possessions lie, Yourselves know best--and Him on high.

And have you had a foreign bribe?-- Then, why so lean?--shall we describe The leanness of your honest tribe?

Why did you not with Tories join To hold the British king divine-- And all his mandates very fine?

Then had your faces shined with fat-- Then had you worn the gold-laced hat-- And--said your lessons--very pat.--

Your lives are, now, continual trial, Existence, constant self-denial, To keep down some, who would be royal.

For public good you wear out types, For public good you get dry wipes-- For public good you may get--stripes.

One half your time in Federal court, On libel charge--you're made a sport-- You pay your fees--nor dare retort.--

All pleasure you are sworn to shun; Are always cloistered, like a nun, And glad to hide from Ragman's dun.--

All night you sit by glare of lamp, Like Will o' Wisp in vapoury swamp, To write of armies and the camp.--

You write--compile--compile and write, 'Till you have nearly lost your sight-- Then off to jail; and so, good night.

Turned out as poor as Christ-church rat, Once more the trade you would be at Which never yet made lean man fat.

You send your journals far and wide, And though undone, and though belied; You choose to take the patriot side.

Your works are in Kentucky found; And there your politics go round-- And there you trust them many a pound.--

At home, to folks residing near, You grant a credit, half a year; And pine, mean while, on cakes and beer.

The time elapsed when friends should pay, You urge your dun from day to day; And so you must--and so you may.

One customer begins to fret, And tells the dunner in a pet, "Plague take the Printer and his debt:

"Ungrateful man--go hang--go burn-- "I read his paper night and morn, "And now experience this return!

"Sir! was I not among the first "Who did my name on paper trust, "To help this Journalist accursed?

"Thus am I used for having signed: "But I have spirit, he shall find-- "Ah me! the baseness of mankind!"

Thus, on you strive with constant pain, The kindest tell you, call again!-- And you their humble dupe remain.

Who aims to prosper--should be sold-- If bribes are offered, take the gold, Nor live to be forever fooled.

SALEM.

Found only in the edition of 1809. The anti-federal press opposed the administration of Adams, and the whole affair of the threatened French war.