[Attributed to "Stephen" in the table of contents; the poem appears on page 22 signed "Buffington Tutt," closing the "Business a la Mode" section.]
I was a warrior in the Roman age And with some Caesar swung a doughty sword. By lion-hearted Richard did I wage Grim combat with the Saracenic horde.
I was a knight-at-arms in Lancelot's day And tilted Fame in many a tournament. With Pete Ronsard I wrought the roundelay, With brother Franc Villon his testament.
I was a gallant in Jack Suckling's time, A courtier in the days of Dick Lovelace, And more than one fine sonnet did I rhyme To win some token of my lady's grace.
I was a courtier in Spenser's generation A patron in the person of the King. With Master William Shakespeare I acquired A canniness for almost anything.
With Amerigo and Christopher I aspired To sail uncharted seas to continents unknown. By Jack Lafitte and "Johnny" Jones I hailed The empery of the waters as my own.
With Danny Boone and Davy Crockett, Did blaze a trail where never man abode. Last year I battled Boches in the sky — Today I am a salesman "on the road."