University of Virginia Library


261

JOHN JONES'S ENEMY.

A TRUISM.

John Jones he has an enemy
Who haunts him night and day,
Who tempts him, and poisons him,
And leads him all astray.
John Jones he hates this enemy,
And curses him full sore,
And nine misfortunes out of ten
Lays justly at his door.
John Jones he loves this enemy
Before his friend or wife,
And 'fends his fame from evil words
At peril of his life.

262

He thinks there is in all the world
No truth except in him,—
He finds him all one living lie,
Tongue, body, brain, and limb.
He knows him well,—is still deceived;
Distrusts him,—takes his word;
Abuses him,—excuses him;
Fears him,—is not deterred.
Who is John Jones's enemy,
This haunting demon-elf?
You 've seen his enemy, whene'er
You 've seen John Jones's self.