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Poem
July 28, 1837
Morning Herald
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
A humorous satirical poem in which a loafer addresses 'Old Hays,' bemoaning how city laws force him to end his idle, free-roaming life, preferring the devil's company over Hays'.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
The Loafer's Address to "Old Hays."
Since the city and laws, "Old Hays
Demand that a loafer retire,
And as now at his mercy he lays
List to the sound of his lyre.
The sound of his snoring is o'er-
His visions of glory are past,
Since now thou art present fierce more
His plans for the future of blast.
He had thought thus ever to be
Like the light-soaring bird of the air-
Still roving unfettered and free,
Relieved from thy presence and care.
Thou causest the loafer to smart-
Thou comest unbidden-unsought-
Thou fillest with anguish his heart-
Behold! what thy presence has wrought.
A loafer would much rather see
By day or by night-
In darkness or light,
The devil himself than thee.
H.
Since the city and laws, "Old Hays
Demand that a loafer retire,
And as now at his mercy he lays
List to the sound of his lyre.
The sound of his snoring is o'er-
His visions of glory are past,
Since now thou art present fierce more
His plans for the future of blast.
He had thought thus ever to be
Like the light-soaring bird of the air-
Still roving unfettered and free,
Relieved from thy presence and care.
Thou causest the loafer to smart-
Thou comest unbidden-unsought-
Thou fillest with anguish his heart-
Behold! what thy presence has wrought.
A loafer would much rather see
By day or by night-
In darkness or light,
The devil himself than thee.
H.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Satire Society
Liberty Independence
What keywords are associated?
Loafer
Old Hays
Satire
Retirement
Freedom
City Laws
What entities or persons were involved?
H.
Poem Details
Title
The Loafer's Address To "Old Hays."
Author
H.
Subject
A Loafer's Complaint Against City Laws And Old Hays
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas
Key Lines
A Loafer Would Much Rather See
By Day Or By Night
In Darkness Or Light,
The Devil Himself Than Thee.