Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON A TRAVELLING SPECULATOR, by PHILIP FRENEAU


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON A TRAVELLING SPECULATOR, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: On scent of game from town to town he flew
Last Line: Stopped short -- and closed his triumphs in a jail.
Subject(s): Capitalists & Financiers


ON scent of game from town to town he flew,
The soldier's curse pursued him on his way;
Care in his eye, and anguish on his brow,
He seemed a sea-hawk watching for his prey.

With soothing words the widow's mite he gained,
With piercing glance watched misery's dark abode,
Filched paper scraps while yet a scrap remained,
Bought where he must, and cheated where he could;

Vast loads amassed of scrip, and who knows what;
Potosi's wealth seemed lodged within his clutch, --
But wealth has wings (he knew) and instant bought
The prancing steed, gay harness, and gilt coach.

One Sunday morn to church we saw him ride
In glittering state -- alack! and who but he --
The following week, with Madam at his side,
To routs they drove -- and drank Imperial tea!

In cards and fun the livelong day they spent,
With songs and smut prolonged the midnight feast, --
If plays were had, to plays they constant went,
Where Madam's top-knot rose a foot at least.

Three weeks, and more, thus passed in airs of state,
The fourth beheld the mighty bubble fail, --
And he, who countless millions owned so late,
Stopped short -- and closed his triumphs in a jail.





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