Page:Halleck.djvu/296

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TO MR. POTTER,15
THE VENTRILOQUIST.

Dear Sir, you’ve heard that Mr. Robbin16
Has brought in, without rhyme or reason,
A bill to send you jugglers hopping;
That bill will pass this very season.
Now, as you lose your occupation,
And may perhaps be low in coffer,
I send for your consideration
The following very liberal offer:

Five hundred down, by way of bounty
Expenses paid (as shall be stated),
Next April to Chenango County,
And there we’ll have you nominated.
Your duty'll be to watch the tongues
When Root's16 brigade begins to skirmish,
To stop their speeches in their lungs,
And bring out such as I shall furnish.

Thy ventriloquial powers, my Potter!
Shall turn to music every word,