The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

POETRY

FOR THE RHODE ISLAND AMERICAN,

THE SCHOOL-MASTER'S MOTTO.

A Squire is no judge of a Carpenter's bill,
A Tinker can solder your coat:
The Miller knows best what to do with his mill,
A Waterman what with his boat,
The Sexton can take your house that will last,
The Doctor will give you possession:
The Parson will preach till you snore such a blast,
As will waken the whole congregation.

You ne'er need a Farmer to choose you fine lace,
Nor an lawyer to compute:
Nor at law set Tailor to argue your case,
Nor a Sailor to measure your foot.

The saying is old, but it's none the less good:
Why take counsel from one of the trade?

But to make myself quickly and well understood:
I'll tell a short story in aid.

Tom and Dick took their stations in Hay-Market-street,
With each one his own jag of hay;
And while they stood waiting with markets to meet,
They rattled and joked in their way.

Says Tom, "I will bet you a good mug of flip,
That mine of the two's the best hay:"
"Done," says Dick, "and we'll see in the crack of a whip,
Which of us the wager shall pay."

"See yonder," says Tom, "our old School-Master stands,
Come to town to get rid of his mare:
He has learning enough and hard words at command;
We'll let him decide our affair."

"No, no," answered Dick, "he's a good man I think,
And can do a hard sum if he tries,
Can judge of his own sort of victuals and drink,
But tell me, what that signifies.

If you'll listen to me I've a judge in my eye,
Like an auctioneer steady and stiff;
His verdict no flattery nor money can buy!
And besides he'll decide in a jiff.

A person of sense and of exquisite taste,
Having dealt all his life in this ware."

"Who is he," says Tom, "for I'm dry and in haste:"
Says Dick, "he's the School-Master's mare."

MISCELLANY.