THE DEMAGOGUE

I listened to his smooth insidious tongue, So artfully adapted to his crowd Of nninstructed hearers, who with loud Applause teceived the phrases deftly strung To flatter them and to their greed appeal. Their ignorance and prejudices he (Taught by long practice) played on skilfully, Yet to the wise did all the while reveal His inmost nature, false and insincere ; Spite of i^^wiffe^^ his vulgar soul he shows. Which to no great ideal allegiance owes, But ever doth by selPs mean compass steer : So self-convicted and condemned he stands, Despite the multitude's loud-dapping hands. TO THE CRITIC What's written's written ; whether good or bad I know not, and must leave you to assess : 'Tis done, and even if you condemn, no less That it is done shall I henceforth be glad ; For in it, not too thickly veiled or dad. My verse doth much of what I am express, Although to read it needs some wariness Not to mistake its message gay or sad. Whether the verse attract you or repd In it yott^U find no posing insincere ; And if no powerful inspiration swell- Its music to a note divine and dear. It may be something in its verse doth dwell That will to some kind hearts the bard endear.