Pro Bono Publico <br />Went out the streets to scan, <br />And marching to and fro <br />He met a seedy man, <br />Who did a tale unfold <br />In solemn tones and slow <br />And this is what he told <br />Pro Bono Publico. <br /> <br />"For many years I led <br />The people's onward march; <br />I was the 'Fountain Head', <br />The 'Democratic Arch'. <br /> <br />"In more than regal state <br />I used to sit and smile, <br />And bridges I'd donate, <br />And railways by the mile. <br /> <br />"I pawned the country off <br />For many million quid, <br />And spent it like a toff -- <br />So hel me, Bob, I did. <br /> <br />"But now those times are gone, <br />The wind blows cold and keen; <br />I sit and think upon <br />The thing that I have been. <br /> <br />"And if a country town <br />Its obligation shirks, <br />I press for money down <br />To pay for water works. <br /> <br />"A million pounds or two <br />Was naught at all to me -- <br />And now I have to sue <br />For paltry £ s d! <br /> <br />"Alas, that such a fate <br />Should come to such a man, <br />Who once was called the Great -- <br />The great O'Sullivan!" <br /> <br />With weary steps and slow, <br />With tears of sympathy <br />Pro Bono Publico <br />Went sadly home to tea. <br /> <br />Remarking, as he went, <br />With sad and mournful brow, <br />"The cash that party spent -- <br />I wish I had it now!"<br /><br />Andrew Barton Paterson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-rhyme-of-the-o-sullivan/
