But I, that care not for these showy tricks,

To make sensation pictures for the press;

I, that am plain of speech, and lack the grace

Of smooth reporters to exaggerate

The lame conclusion and unfinished aim

Of a safe skirmish with some half-armed tribes

Into the conduct of a mighty war,

So that the farce makes laughter for the clubs,—

Why I, who bore the burden of the fight,

Can smile to see his swaggering airs,