SIR COPP. A POEM FOR THE TIMES, In Six Cantos. BY THOMAS CLARKE, AUTHOR OF “A DAY IN MAY,” “DONNA ROSA,” “THE SILENT VILLAGE,” “LIFE IN THE WEST,” &C. “Truth—the highest poetry and the bitterest satire.”—THE AUTHOR. “Thus have they masked Hypocrisy, And dubbed her ‘Young Democracy.’”—SIR COPP., _Canto VI._ _SIXTH THOUSAND._ CHICAGO: GEO. W. CLARKE, PUBLISHER 1867. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, BY THOS. CLARKE & CO., In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern District of Illinois. PREFACE. The object of this Poem is two-fold; first, to photograph a phase of human depravity incredible, had we not witnessed it; and to hand down its subjects to eternal infamy: and, secondly, to paint the beauty and power of goodness and loyalty in the sacred cause of God and of Country. “Sir Copp” represents the element of mean servility exhibited in those whom duty called in vain to the support of their invaded liberties; the most venomous “copperheads” being those who, under a loyal mask, betrayed their trust, starved our soldiers, robbed their widows and orphans, and, like Benedict Arnold, sold themselves to the enemy. Contrasted with this dark side of the picture the patriotism of our loyal citizens stands out in bold relief. Our army, like a torrent, sweeps away the strongholds of the rebels and restores peace and happiness to the nation. But this glimpse of light is clouded by the murder of Mr. Lincoln, and, in “Abel Misraim,” the people bewail the irreparable loss of their martyred chief. A digression on certain British poets, and a severe criticism on “Enoch Arden,” are followed by a discussion demonstrating the impossibility of sustaining liberty, unless founded on the basis of popular virtue and intelligence; and that no man, whatever be his color, is entitled to the privileges, unless he be prepared to discharge the duties of a citizen. The abuse of this principle caused all our troubles in the past, and, unless a speedy and a radical reform shall be effected, we can expect nothing better for the future. “Sir Copp,” having undergone a severe physical and moral dissection, is finally introduced into hell, whence Satan, unwilling to entertain him, sends him back to earth to be punished there according to his deserts. This is the first of a series of works, chiefly on the war, by the same author, which will be issued in due course, if “home production” shall receive here, at the West, a sufficient patronage to justify the undertaking.