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 To these authentic facts each bucktail swore; But Clinton's friends averred, in contradiction, They were but fables, told by Mr. Noah, Who had a privilege to deal in fiction, Because he'd written travels, and a melo- Drama; and was, withal, a pleasant fellow.

And they declared that Tompkins was no better Than he should be; that he had borrowed money, And paid it—not in cash—but with a letter; And though some trifling service he had done, he Still wanted spirit, energy, and fire; And was disliked by—Mr. McIntyre.

In short, each one with whom in conversation He joined, contrived to give him different views Of men and measures; and the information Which he obtained, but aided to confuse His brain. At best, 'twas never very clear; And now 'twas turned with politics and beer.

And he was puffed, and flattered, and caressed By all, till he sincerely thought that Nature