Citizen, do not let our praise go unspoken;
we’ll join you in a round of self-applause.
The remaining links in the chain have been broken,
the tyrannical yoke of barbarian laws
torn up by reason’s liberating claws.
But consider this thing with which we now are fraught!
Assimilable, propertied, coarse and ruddy…
Though simple it may be, it must be taught.
It’s up to you to devise a course of study
for prompt dissemination ‘neath liberty’s bower.
When they get off work you will hear them knock.
You can ready your ears for five or six o’clock;
commerce demands that you begin at such an hour.
You’ll be paid in food, rags and medicine.
Greetings and brotherhood to you, fair Citizen!
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[Next: Allegro Joculoso]