Page:Centennial History of Oregon 1811-1912, Volume 1.djvu/503



The cooper left his tubs and pails,

His buckets and his piggins; The sailor left his j'ards and sails,

And started for the "diggins".

The farmer left his plough and steers.

The merchant left his measure. The tailor dropped his goose and shears

And went to gather treasure.

A pedagogue attired incog.

Gave ear to what was stated, Forsook his stool, bestrode a mule,

And then absquatulated.

A boatman, too, forsook his crew,

Let fall his oar and paddle, And stole his neighbor's iron-gray,

But went without a saddle.

The joiner dropped his square and jack,

The carpenter his chisel. The peddler laid aside his pack

And all prepared to mizzle.

The woodman dropped his trusty axe,

The tanner left his leather, The miller left his pile of sacks

And all went off together.

The doctor cocked his eye askance.

The promised wealth descrying. Then wheeled his horse and off he pranced

And left his patients dying.

The preacher dropped the Holy Book.

And gi-asped the mad illusion ; The herdsman left his flock and crook

Amid the wild confusion.

The judge consigned to cold neglect

The great judicial ermine, But just which way his honor went

I could not well determine.

And then I saw far in the rear

A fat, purse-proud attorney Collect his last retaining fee

And start upon his journey.