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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO THE SURGEON GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK by JOSEPH RODMAN DRAKE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: OH! MITCHILL, LORD OF GRANITE FLINTS

Oh! Mitchill, lord of granite flints,
Doctus, in law - and wholesome dishes;
Protector of the patent splints,
The foe of whales - the friend of fishes;
"Tom-Codus" - "Septon" - "Phlogobombos!"
What title shall we find to fit ye?
Inquisitor of sprats and compost!
Or Surgeon General of Militia!


We hail thee! - mammoth of the state!
Steam frigate! on the waves of physic -
Equal in practice or debate,
To cure the nation or the phthisic:
The amateur of Tartar dogs!
Wheat-flies, and maggots that create "em!
Of mummies! and of mummy-chogs!
Of brick-bats - lotteries - and pomatum!




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