AN GAODHAL
77
JOHN BULL'S VICIOUS CLAIM,
BY P. A. DOUGHER.
You have heard the trumpet sounding — the war cry out again,
How John Bull is howling and growing in his pen
For to gorge his greed with plunder, it is his daily aim,
His constant occupation and the mission he proclaims.
Said Johny to his lieutenants, I'm thinking of a scheme,
We'll go to South America, and prosecute the same,
Where there is a modest people, who are struggling near our line,
We'll force them to an indemnity just as we may design.
While this compact in its hideous shape, the thieves began to rise,
And start for Venezuela to take it by surprise,
Oh, no, ! said Grover Cleveland, our neighbors we'll sustain.
Keep your hoofs off Venezuela and your nasty vicious claim.
Oh, who are you that talks so bold to mar me in my flight —
And his voice did rage like thunder, saying, I'm ready for a fight —
I am a king, said Grover, though I do not wear a crown,
I can thrash you to your heart's content and pull your standard down
Like a raging lunatic, the Bull began to claw
And tear the earth beneath his hoof, while frothing at his jaw.
Saying, I am master of the universe, and to dictate, I will.
All other beasts must me salute, l'll plunder or I'll kill.
My neighboring foe, you can't do so, you're now behind the time,
For we're a sovereign people, and human in design,
We are no beasts to prey upon, we'll show you by our skill
When we make a resolution the same we will fulfil.
But you know you are my kindred, why do you me despise,
I've landed you in safety beneath the western skies,
And give to you your liberty beyond my subjects all,
Can you resist my courtesy while your neighbors I inthral.
That is a foul assertion, how you reckon us in line,
As we are distinct people, and in another clime;
Our ancestors persecuted you unjustly did exile
Because they would not sanction and uphold you in your guile.
Now Johny draw your horns in your goring days are done,
The weak, the poor and needy you forced them to succumb;
You've trample half the universe and abused the holy laws —
Before you come to Venezuela you must was your dirty paws.
Yes, I'm going too fast, said Johny, I see you're watching me,
I am sorry to offend you for I love your country.
Oh, yes, said our brave president, you'd scourge us if you'd dare —
You've tried that game too often and you surrendered in dispair.
Go back you brute whence you came, our people owe you naught,
We must chastise your insollence, your power and your thought;
We do not like your presence, it's like poison to our mind,
For if seeking evil company no more so could we find.
We have watched your course through India and along the flowing Nile,
The holy scenes and monuments you wantonly defile;
You've left the millions homeless, you wrought the tyrant's work,
Along with your vile ally, your murderous brother Turk.
Think how you served old Erin, the sweetest place on earth —
You deluged her with human gore — 'twas a carnival of death —
The peasants in their lonely cots you butchered for no crime —
The babies in their innocence — the pilgrims at the shrine.
Now Johny Bull your race is run, we'll call you to a halt,
Your reckoning day is coming — can you answer for your fault ?
The martyrs' blood for vengeance is against your hellish crown,
And, like the Roman Empire, your kingdom must come down.
Success to our brave President, who boldly took the stand,
And our Congress all united responding his demand
To show the common enemy the danger where they roam,
Their alloment in the circle or their choice to stay at home.
