(He never asked it).

"And you, poor credulous Allies,
Found in this fellow, self-appointed,
The worth he had in his own eyes
And let him pose as God's anointed;
Taking no sort of pains to see
Whether or not he had a mandate,
Like puppy-dogs the other Three
Out of his hand ate."

But how if _we_ had queered his claim
Or questioned his credentials, saying,
"Who is this WOODROW What's-his-name?
And what's the _rôle_ he thinks he's playing?
Is he a Methodist divine?
Or does he boom Chicago bacon?"--
I think that I can guess the line
You would have taken.

"Behold a Man," I hear you say,
"Of peerless wit and ripe instruction,
Elect of Heaven and U.S.A.--
Surely an ample introduction;
He comes to put Creation right;
He brings no chits--he doesn't need 'em;
Who doubts his faith will have to fight
The Bird of Freedom!"

O.S.