Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/149

In a private row that claimed $\scriptstyle {\frac {10}{17}}$ of what remained . . .
    But I think we'll let this problem go unsolved—
Not because I couldn't do it—(Mathematics, I may say,
    Are my hobby)—but for purposes of rhyme.
From the ninth you merely have to take ten seventeenths away,
    And—well, you can work it out when you have time.

If you then deduct $\scriptstyle {\frac {3}{7}}$ of the answer, in the end
    You will strike the final fraction—more or less—
For a fairly large proportion of his time he had to spend
    Keeping solid with the watchful Party Press.
And, of course, there were occasions when the whole thing made him sick;
    And we might deduct $\scriptstyle {\frac {1}{10}}$ for that, no doubt.
It's an entertaining problem, if you like arithmetic;
    And I trust you'll find the time to work it out.

I advise you to attempt it; for the simple sum I've set
    Is a task an earnest student shouldn't shirk;
And the answer is the portion that the glad electors get
    Of a busy Party politician's work.
Trimmer ceased his calculations when the vulgar fractions failed,
    And he had to take to decimals instead.
So, although his young resolve to serve the land has not prevailed,
    He's "a solid Party man" I've heard it said.