SIR COPP.
A POEM FOR THE TIMES,
In Six Cantos.
By THOMAS CLARKE,
Author of “A Day in May,” “Donna Rosa,” “The Silent Village,”
“Life in the West,” &c.
SIXTH THOUSAND.
CHICAGO:
GEO. W. CLARKE, PUBLISHER
1867.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865,
By THOS. CLARKE & CO.,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, for the
Northern District of Illinois.
The object of this Poem is two-fold; first, to photographa phase of human depravity incredible, had wenot witnessed it; and to hand down its subjects toeternal infamy: and, secondly, to paint the beauty andpower of goodness and loyalty in the sacred cause ofGod and of Country. “Sir Copp” represents theelement of mean servility exhibited in those whom dutycalled in vain to the support of their invaded liberties;the most venomous “copperheads” being those who,under a loyal mask, betrayed their trust, starved oursoldiers, robbed their widows and orphans, and, likeBenedict Arnold, sold themselves to the enemy. Contrastedwith this dark side of the picture the patriotismof our loyal citizens stands out in bold relief. Ourarmy, like a torrent, sweeps away the strongholds ofthe rebels and restores peace and happiness to thenation. But this glimpse of light is clouded by themurder of Mr. Lincoln, and, in “Abel Misraim,” thepeople bewail the irreparable loss of their martyredchief. A digression on certain British poets, and asevere criticism on “Enoch Arden,” are followed by adiscussion demonstrating the impossibility of sustainingliberty, unless founded on the basis of popular virtueand intelligence; and that no man, whatever be his[4]color, is entitled to the privileges, unless he be preparedto discharge the duties of a citizen. The abuse of thisprinciple caused all our troubles in the past, and, unlessa speedy and a radical reform shall be effected, we canexpect nothing better for the future.
“Sir Copp,” having undergone a severe physical andmoral dissection, is finally introduced into hell, whenceSatan, unwilling to entertain him, sends him back toearth to be punished there according to his deserts.
This is the first of a series of works, chiefly on thewar, by the same author, which will be issued in duecourse, if “home production” shall receive here, at theWest, a sufficient patronage to justify the undertaking.
It is proposed, also, to republish here, from the Londoneditions, the most popular of the author’s publishedworks, to which the opinions of the best Englishcritics will be appended, according to him a high rankamongst the first poets of our day.
Perhaps it may not be deemed out of place to givehere a few brief extracts from those criticisms:
The Lo