The Ex Official's Lament

Alas alas! my power is gone; I thought 'twould last for ever; But now 'tis over, I must own, They've done it very clever. I could have feather'd well my nest, If I had been permitted; To that intent I did my best, To have my friend acquitted. "Congratulatory address" I also did procure him. Among my influential class And thought this must secure him. In fact, I left no means untried, To smother up the matter, And on my influence relied, To stop the diggers' chatter. But rumours soon got spread about, Of this our camp proceeding; And very soon we all found out, That discontent was breeding. At last, the diggers on the place, Determined to assemble:- Which, when I saw I must confess; I inwardly did tremble. And yet to awe the vulgar crowd, I got the troopers round me; When groans and hisses long and loud, Completely did confound me. My brethren then with all their might, Endeavoured to allay them:- When lo! it rose to such a height; No speech of ours could stay them. I, always thought the common herd Should render blind submission:- Should ne'er have once presumed or dared To question our decision. But, now they talk about their "rights", As much as their superiors:- Though "Gentlemen" I'm certain quite, All view them as inferiors. Could we but get them down once more, We'd hold them in such fetters, As would restrain them evermore, From meddling with their betters. But, now, alas! I see no way, To gratify my wishes:- With all our schemes we've lost the day, For getting loaves and fishes. Intelligence is gaining ground, We can hold out no longer:- Where'er I cast my eyes around, The "league" is getting stronger. Left to our fate, we can but grieve, To see their ranks increasing: Oh! could we have have a short reprieve, The diggers to be fleecing.