Classic Poem

Has the Marquis la Fayette
Taken off all our hay yet?
Says Clinton to the wise heads around him:
Yes, faith, great Sir Harry,
Each stack he did carry,
And likewise the cattle — confound him!

Besides he now goes
Just under your nose,
To burn all the houses to cinder.
If that be his project,
It is not an object
Worth a great man's attempting to hinder.

For forage and house
I care not a louse;
For revenge let the loyalists bellow.
I swear I'll not do more
To keep them in humour,
Than play on my violencello.

Since Charles Town is taken,
'Twill sure save my bacon:
I can live a whole year on that same, Sir.
Ride about all the day;
At night, concert or play;
So a fig for those men that dare blame, Sir.

If growlers complain
I inactive remain,
Will do nothing, nor let any others;
'Tis sure no new thing
To serve thus our King;
Witness Burgoyne and two famous Brothers!