The Naval Constructor + 

He looked upon the ships as they + 

All idly lay at anchor, + 

Their sides with gorgeous workmen gay⁠— + 

The riveter and planker⁠— + 

Republicans and Democrats, + 

Statesmen and politicians. + 

He saw the swarm of prudent rats + 

Swimming for land positions. + 

He marked each “belted cruiser” fine, + 

Her poddy life-belts floating + 

In tether where the hungry brine + 

Impinged upon her coating. + 

He noted with a proud regard, + 

As any of his class would, + 

The poplar mast and poplar yard + 

Above the hull of bass-wood. + 

He saw the Eastlake frigate tall, + 

With quaintly carven gable, + 

Hip-roof and dormer-window⁠—all + 

With ivy formidable. + 

In short, he saw our country’s hope + 

In best of all conditions⁠— + 

Equipped, to the last spar and rope, + 

By working politicians. + 

He boarded then the noblest ship + 

And from the harbor glided. + 

“Adieu, adieu!” fell from his lip. + 

Verdict: “He suicided.” + 