We hold you well and think we can

Make you, in your despite, a man.

'Tis here our wont, though strange it seems,

To deal in solid facts, not dreams;

For lies are lies, and gold is gold,

And men are daily bought or sold.

Parade the purlieus if you wish

To study poor-law and fried fish;

There's much that waits to be improved,

And an improver's rarely loved.