English poem
ENVOI
by Harry Graham (1874–1936)
PROTECTIONIST! ( if you exist ) Whose sympathies I can n't enlist, Be sparing of your curses! Ah, do n't abuse my Fiscal VIEWS, But, out of pity for the Muse, Look only at my VERSES!
FREE TRADER, too, I beg of you, Whatever else you think or do, My lack of skill excuse. Ah! No doubt my VERSE could not be worse, And weak the rhymes that I rehearse; But, then, how sound my VIEWS are!
( Thus may I strengthen — or convert, And no one's feelings need be hurt! )