THE STORY OF SIMON. 169
Fiercely the battle was waged on that day ; Justly by all? As to that I can't say. But when results of the contest were known, Oh ! what a deep-sounding, dolorous groan Rose from the party whose schemes were undone ! Oh ! what a shout from the party that won ! Those who had favored the temperance cause Most in their platform and most by their laws Lost in the strife by a pitiful lack — Only one vote would have won the attack; And with the rest of the ballots there lay One which had brought to this desperate fray The name of a candidate known to but few, But what man had put it there every one knew, Saying, " See, so much from Simon! "
��Oh ! how the losers cursed Simon ! Taking the power right out of their hands. Satisfied only with all his demands, Getting in consequence nothing and worse, Losing a footing and gaining a curse ;
Thus worked the wisdom of Simon.
Such is the story of Simon. Still he survives, Still he contrives
Much that is sanctioned by reason,
Much that is good in its season. Whether he loses because of false hopes, Much that he works for, or whether he copes Bravely 'gainst evil, and waits for the time When to his sentiments all shall incline,
Judge ye who read about Simon.
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