Classic Poem

Curst be the wretch that's bought and sold,
And barters liberty for gold,
For when election is not free
In vain we boast of liberty.
And he who sells his single right
Would sell his country if he might.

When liberty is put to sale
For wine, for money, or for ale,
The sellers must be abject slaves,
The buyers vile, designing knaves;
It has a proverb been of old,
The devil's bought but to be sold.

This maxim in the statesmen's school
Is always taught, Divide and Rule .
All parties are to him a joke;
While zealots foam he fits the yoke.
When men their reasons once resume,
'Tis then the statesman's turn to fume.

Learn, Britons, learn ye to unite.
Leave off the old exploded bite;
Henceforth let Whig and Tory cease,
And turn all party rage to peace.
Rouse, and revive your ancient glory;
Unite, and drive the world before ye!