Poetry · Chapter
A Patter Song explained
A satirical poem about a conceited and foolish governor who, while showing off his supposed graces, is tossed into the sky by an ancient cow.
What happens
A satirical poem about a conceited and foolish governor who, while showing off his supposed graces, is tossed into the sky by an ancient cow.
Themes in this chapter
Political Satire
The entire poem mocks a governor's arrogance and foolishness through exaggerated description and absurd events.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The governor's pandering and self-conceit highlight the hypocrisy and corruption in political posturing.
Characters to notice
- Dear Governor
The cranky, self-conceited governor who is the subject of the satire.
- Waterman
Mentioned as not being the governor's name, implying a contrast.
- Mark Boruck
Referenced for his threat of aiding the governor, which failed to dissuade him.
Key passages
“There was a cranky Governor— His name it wasn’t Waterman.”
There was an irritable governor who was not named Waterman.
Opens the poem by identifying the subject and distinguishing him from Waterman.
“He conjured up, ad libitum, With postures energetical, One day (this is prophetical) His graces, to exhibit ’em.”
He improvised energetic poses one day to show off his supposed virtues.
Describes the governor's vain attempt to display his graces.
“An ancient cow, perceiving that His powers of agility Transcended her ability (A circumstance for grieving at) Upon her horns engrafted him And to the welkin wafted him.”
An old cow, noticing his agility surpassed hers, lifted him onto her horns and tossed him into the sky.
Climactic absurd event where the cow punishes the governor's vanity.