Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
On a Travelling Speculator
By Philip Freneau (17521832)O
The soldier’s curse pursued him on his way;
Care in his eye, and anguish on his brow,
He seemed a sea-hawk watching for his prey.
With piercing glance watched misery’s dark abode,
Filched paper scraps while yet a scrap remained,
Bought where he must, and cheated where he could.
Potosi’s wealth seemed lodged within his clutch,—
But wealth has wings (he knew) and instant bought
The prancing steed, gay harness, and gilt coach.
In glittering state—alack! and who but he—
The following week, with Madam at his side,
To routs they drove—and drank Imperial tea!
With songs and smut prolonged the midnight feast,
If plays were had, to plays they constant went,
Where Madam’s top-knot rose a foot at least.
The fourth beheld the mighty bubble fail,—
And he, who countless millions owned so late,
Stopped short—and closed his triumphs in a jail.