t few, excepting only those
Who office hold or look with longing eyes
For vacancies the future may disclose.

SIR WINDBAG:
But when "the Man of God" his voice doth raise
In ecstasy to praise my every word,
Will not his former flock follow the bell
Which in the past hath led to pastures green?

COUNT LUIE:
Alas, I fear their memories will point
To former words, which voiced another song,
When he did nurse at theologic teat
And softly chant imperialistic creed.

SIR WINDBAG, _(eagerly):_
But may not my convincing words have caused
Conversion to the views of "Era New?"

COUNT LUIE, _(doubtfully):_
'Twere wiser to ascribe his recent "flop"
To strong desire to hold a paying job!

SIR WINDBAG:
But this Sandixo seems a proper man,
Who boasts a heart welling with gratitude.
He eloquent approved my every word,
And lays his duty wholly at my feet.
His words do ring as from an honest mould,
Yet rumor whispers divers ugly tales.
Thou knowest how his record truly reads:
How far should confidence extend her hand?

COUNT LUIE, _(hesitatingly):_
Friend Windbag, if to thee I ope my heart,
'Twere in strict confidence 'twixt man and man
For publication I would loud proclaim
"This man a patriot with noble aims."
If for opinion private thou dost ask,
I will a tale unfold much to the point.
One Quezox, holding now a place of pow'r,
With tongue of silver did to me extend
A promise to advance my ev'ry plan
For preferment to an exalted place.
Alas! he turned me down with sweet disdain.
Eating his words, whilst I did gulp down "crow."

SIR WINDBAG:
Ah Ha! I see! The game, not fairly played,
Doth lose its zest, and confidence once lost,
Like to a maiden's virtue, ne'er can be
Restored. 'Tis sad, yet though 'tis sad, 'tis true.
But, honored sir, the hint you give will keep.
Perhaps this man may look with greedy eye
Upon some high official post, which we
Must give because "he knows just what he wants."

COUNT LU