The Alchemist

From the Evening Star, November 3, 1912.
By Marlin Ward.
 

 My simple say-so makes the truth,
     It also makes the lie;
 And all things bad transmute to good
     When they are done by I.
 
 Bill Flinn was just a common boss
     Until he followed me,
 But now he’s clean and beautiful
     As any one can be.
 
 Perkins had predatory wealth
     Until I sanctified
 His tainted cash and made it pure
     By use upon my side.
 
 Thus, that all men and measures, too,
     Are made, for bad or good,
 As they are for me or against,
     Is plainly understood.
 
 By all who get pure politics
     Direct from Flinn and me,
 The grand originators of
     Political purity.