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lxxxiii.

To these authentic facts each bucktail swore;

But Clinton's friends averred, 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 borrowed 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. McIntyre.

lxxxv.

In short, each one with whom in conversation

He joined, contrived to give him different views
Of men and measures; and the information
Which he obtained, but aided to confuse
His brain. At best, 'twas never very clear;
And now 'twas turned with politics and beer.

lxxxvi.

And he was puffed, and flattered, and caressed

By all, till he sincerely thought that Nature