Now some folks are born to greatness, some achieve it, as you’ve read;
And some justly stand and take it as it dollops on their head;
But in this sublime Republic, where it’s help and help again,
We all generally make it in cahoot with other men.
Scroper was a fine young fellow, of a monstrous enterprise;
Likewise really ambitious, for he was so bound to rise,
And he left no stone unturned—nor a log—he rolled ’em all,
Till at last he got the contract for our new great City Hall.
Now, of all our mortal actors here upon this earthly stage,
The contractors have the hardest parts to play, I will engage;