Poetry · Chapter
A Political Violet explained
A satirical poem addressing Leland Stanford, mocking his political ambitions and past reluctance to seek office, while questioning his integrity and the corrupt political landscape.
What happens
A satirical poem addressing Leland Stanford, mocking his political ambitions and past reluctance to seek office, while questioning his integrity and the corrupt political landscape.
Themes in this chapter
Political Satire
The poem satirizes Leland Stanford's political ambitions and the hypocrisy of politicians.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Highlights the discrepancy between Stanford's earlier claims of not seeking office and his current pursuit of a Senate seat.
Characters to notice
- Leland Stanford
Addressed directly in the poem; mocked for his political aspirations and past pretense of reluctance.
- Creed Haymond
Mentioned as a figure whose reproof Stanford should fear.
- Stanford
Referenced as 'Stanford' in the poem, likely a separate character or alias for Leland Stanford.
Key passages
“Come, Stanford, let us sit at ease And talk as old friends do. You talk of anything you please, And I will talk of you.”
Let's have a friendly conversation, Stanford, where you can speak freely, but I will focus on discussing you.
Opens the poem with a tone of ironic familiarity.
“You recently have said, I hear, That you would like to go To serve as Senator. That’s queer! Have you told William Stow?”
I've heard you now want to be a Senator. That's odd—have you informed William Stow?
Questions Stanford's change of heart regarding seeking political office.
“Once when the Legislature said: “Go, Stanford, and be great!” You lifted up your Jovian head And overlooked the State.”
When the Legislature previously urged you to run, you acted aloof and dismissive.
Recalls Stanford's earlier pretense of disinterest in political office.
“But who are they who skulk aside, As to get out of reach, And in their clothing strive to hide Three thousand dollars each?”
Who are those sneaking away, trying to conceal three thousand dollars each in their clothes?
Alludes to bribery or corruption among politicians.
“Now, what so great a change has wrought That you so frankly speak Of “seeking” honors once unsought Because you “scorned to seek”?”
What has caused such a shift that you now openly admit to seeking the honors you once claimed to disdain?
Highlights Stanford's hypocrisy in now pursuing what he previously rejected.
“Go, Stanford, where the violets grow, And join their modest train. Await the work of William Stow And be surprised again.”
Go back to humility, Stanford, and wait for William Stow's machinations to surprise you once more.
Sarcastically advises Stanford to return to modesty and expect further political manipulation.