In re a Gentleman, One

We see it each day in the paper,And know that there's mischief in store;That some unprofessional caperHas landed a shark on the shore.We know there'll be plenty of troubleBefore they get through with the fun,Because he's been coming the doubleOn clients, has "Gentleman, One".

Alas for the gallant attorney,Intent upon cutting a dash!He starts on life's perilous journeyWith rather more cunning than cash.And fortune at first is inviting --He struts his brief hour in the sun --But, lo! on the wall is the writingOf Nemesis, "Gentleman, One".

For soon he runs short of the dollars,He fears he must go to the wall;So Peters' trust-money he collarsTo pay off his creditor, Paul;Then robs right and left -- for he goes itIn earnest when once he's begun.Descensus Averni -- he knows it;It's easy for "Gentleman, One".

The crash comes as soon as the seasons,He loses his coin in a mine,Or booming in land, or for reasonsConnected with women and wine.Or maybe the cards or the horsesA share of the damage have done --No matter, the end of the course isThe same: "Re a Gentleman, One."

He struggles awhile to keep going,To stave off detection and shame;But creditors, clamorous growing,Ere long put an end to the game.At length the poor soldier of SatanHis course to a finish has run --And just think of Windeyer waitingTo deal with "A Gentleman, One"!

And some face it boldly, and brazenThe shame and the utter disgrace;While others, more sensitive, hastenTheir names and their deeds to efface.They snap the frail thread which the FuriesAnd Fates have so cruelly spun.May the great Final Judge and His juriesHave mercy on "Gentleman, One"!