On one thing you may quite rely,—

I am no busy, base Paul Pry.

My best advices really flow

From what I really 'happ'n' to know,

Nor could escape in any wise,

Save shutting both my ears and eyes.

My book may sell, or fall dead flat,—

Yet Meadows makes me safe from that;

Since, to inspire, I've given him some

Of Master's truly 'precious rum,'