Public-domain source text

Born Leaders of Men

by Ambrose Bierce

From Standard Ebooks · standardebooks/ambrose-bierce_poetry

Tuckerton Tamerlane Morey Mahosh Is a statesman of world-wide fame, With a notable knack at rhetorical bosh To glorify somebody’s name⁠— Somebody chosen by Tuckerton’s masters To succor the country from divers disasters Portentous to Mr. Mahosh.
Percy O’Halloran Tarpy Cabee Is in the political swim. He cares not a button for men, not he: Great principles captivate him⁠— Principles cleverly cut out and fitted To Percy’s capacity, duly admitted And fought for by Mr. Cabee.
Drusus Tum Swinnerton Porfer Fitzurse Holds office the most of his life. For men nor for principles cares he a curse But much for his neighbor’s wife. The Ship of State leaks, but he doesn’t pump any⁠— Messrs. Mahosh, Cabee & Company Pump for good Mr. Fitzurse.

Source record

This is a source transcription from Standard Ebooks, published in Past Poetry’s public-domain archive without line-by-line editorial notes. Public-domain source edition. Availability can vary by territory.

View the source edition →