And end, like a rooster,—by getting well plucked!

Such conduct is truly prophetic frenzy.—

Yes, plucked!—Phew! I’m plucked clean enough indeed.

Well, well, I’ve a trifle still left in reserve;

I’ve a little in America, a little in my pocket;

So I won’t be quite driven to beg my bread.—

And at bottom this middle condition is best.

I’m no longer a slave to my coachman and horses;

I haven’t to fret about postchaise or baggage;

I am master, in short, of the situation.—