 | The select poems of Dr. Thomas Dunn English (exclusive of the "Battle lyrics") |  |
508
THE POWER OF NUMBERS.
Said Policeman 10,904,
As his locust he swung by the station house door,
“This robbing a grave is the worst of all tricks.”
“That's so,” said Policeman 9,006.
As his locust he swung by the station house door,
“This robbing a grave is the worst of all tricks.”
“That's so,” said Policeman 9,006.
And Policeman 12,807
He said to 8,911:
“We'll combine with 6,605,
And hive the scamps as sure's you're alive.”
He said to 8,911:
“We'll combine with 6,605,
And hive the scamps as sure's you're alive.”
But 6,605 made no sign,
His partner was No. 4,009;
And the others were forced, as the next best of men,
To consult 16,710.
His partner was No. 4,009;
And the others were forced, as the next best of men,
To consult 16,710.
16,710 said that he
Only worked with 9,703;
While 2,014 remarked he was certain
He'd ferret it out with 4,013.
Only worked with 9,703;
While 2,014 remarked he was certain
He'd ferret it out with 4,013.
Policeman 9,750
Said “Money's too little—too stingy, too thrifty;
Increase the reward, and two men are a plenty,
Myself and 7,320.”
Said “Money's too little—too stingy, too thrifty;
Increase the reward, and two men are a plenty,
Myself and 7,320.”
4,909 said that he
Was confident—well, as a fellow could be,
That the only couple to put the thing through
Were himself and 3,102.
Was confident—well, as a fellow could be,
That the only couple to put the thing through
Were himself and 3,102.
509
In spite of their wisdom they all couldn't get
The thieves or the body, and haven't them yet;
But it's clear as a fog that the thing had been done,
Had they sent for 7,801.
The thieves or the body, and haven't them yet;
But it's clear as a fog that the thing had been done,
Had they sent for 7,801.
| The select poems of Dr. Thomas Dunn English (exclusive of the "Battle lyrics") | |