Classic Poem

Ma Republique

Since such a number of kings I have known,
Vastly my taste for Republics has grown:
One for myself have I framed, and I try
Good laws, and suitable, there to apply
Trade to our toasts is restricted alone;
Justice assumes only gaiety's tone;
Here at my board's all the soil it can claim;
Here's a device for us — Liberty's name

Friends, let us all fill our glasses, I say;
Here doth the Senate assemble to-day:
So, to commence — by severest decree
Be it resolved, that we banish Ennui
What! said I banish? ah! never such word
Should in these quarters amongst us be heard:
Ennui by us will be felt not again;
Pleasure must follow in Liberty's train

Joy, that with Luxury cannot agree,
Orders us here from excess to be free:
Here are no fetters our thoughts to enchain —
Bacchus this law hath been pleased to ordain.
Here let each one of us render at ease
Homage alone to such Saint as he please!
Please we, at mass we our places may fill;
Such, I proclaim it, is Liberty's will

Nobles are far too abusive, I fear;
We'll have no talk of our ancestors here:
We'll have no titles, not e'en for the guest
Who may laugh loudest, or tipple the best
And if amongst us a traitor be found,
Seeking by us to be royally crowned,
Plunge we this Caesar, deep, deep, in the bowl;
This is the way to save Liberty whole

Here's our Republic! come, drink we the toast!
Soon of its settlement, friends, may we boast!
But the good people, to peace so inclined,
Tremble already, a foe lest they find —
Look! 'tis Lisette, who would have us obey
Once and again her voluptuous sway:
Rule us she will — to her beauty we bow;
Ah! 'tis all up with thee, Liberty , now!