He learn'd that Clinton became Governor Somehow by chance, when we were all asleep; That he had neither sense, nor talent, nor Any good quality, and would not keep His place an hour after the next election-- So powerful was the voice of disaffection. LXXXI. That he was a mere puppet made to play A thousand tricks, while Spencer touch'd the springs-- Spencer, the mighty Warwick of his day, "That setter up, and puller down of kings," Aided by Miller, Pell, and Doctor Graham, And other men of equal worth and fame. LXXXII. And that he'd set the people at defiance, By placing knaves and fools in public stations; And that his works in literature and science Were but a schoolboy's web of misquotations; And that he'd quoted from the devil even-- "Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven." LXXXIII. To these authentic facts each bucktail swore; But Clinton's friends averr'd, in contradiction, They were but fables, told by Mr. Noah, Who had a privilege to deal in fiction, Because he'd written travels, and a melo- Drama; and was, withal, a pleasant fellow. LXXXIV. And they declared that Tompkins was no better Than he should be; that he had borrow'd money, And paid it--not in cash--but with a letter; And though some trifling service he had done, he Still wanted spirit, energy, and fire; And was disliked by--Mr. M'Intyre. LXXXV. In short, each one with whom in conversation He join'd, contrived to give him different views Of men and measures; and the information Which he obtain'd, but aided to confuse His brain. At best, 'twas never very clear; And now 'twas turn'd with politics and beer. LXXXVI. And he was puff'd, and flatter'd, and caress'd By all, till he sincerely thought that nature Had form'd him for an alderman at least-- Perhaps, a member of the legislature; And that he had the talents, ten times over, Of H*n*y M**gs, or P*t*r H. W*nd*ver. LXXXVII. The man was mad, 'tis plain, and merits pity, Or he had never dared, in such a tone, To speak of two great persons, whom the city, With pride and pleasure, points to as her own. Men, wise in council, brilliant in debate, "The expectancy and rose of the fair state." LXXXVIII. The one--for a pure style and classic manner, Is--Mr. Sachem Mooney far before. The other, in his speech about the banner, Spell-bound his audience until they swore That such a speech was never heard till then, And never would be--till he spoke again. LXXXIX.