Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/148

140 Thus we have a simple problem in subtraction, you will note: 1$$-\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{2}}$$ must $$\scriptstyle{=\frac{1}{2}}$$ 'tis plain. But half his time to noble aims could Trimmer still devote, And so, we have small reason to complain.

But, what with Party meetings and no-confidence debates, He depleted this small $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{2}}$$ by just $$\scriptstyle{\frac{2}{3}}$$; Which was occupied in fanning Party jealousies and hates With redundant and unprofitable words. Thus the first $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{2}}$$ + $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{3}}$$ must give $$\scriptstyle{\frac{5}{6}}$$ in answer; so, When $$\scriptstyle{\frac{5}{6}}$$ is given to the Party cause, Of the whole there must remain, as any simpleton should know, Just $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{6}}$$ to spend in framing splendid laws.

But $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{6}}$$ of any busy politician's working day Is as much as any country should expect; Yet Thomas found that, as the Party game he had to play, There were other matters he could not neglect. Organizing, engineering, and a dozen other things, Of the $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{2}}$$ remaining, claimed at least $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{3}}$$, And a simple calculation to $$\scriptstyle{\frac{1}{9}}$$ the answer brings— Which, to quote the famous Euclid, is absurd.

Yet, one whole ninth of Trimmer's time the grateful country gained, Till he chanced to get unhappily involved