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JAMES MADISON: PRESIDENT NUMBER FOUR

Now, a dear friend of Tom and one truly smart man,

Hailing too from Virginia and always toting a plan,

Holds high honors throughout for our political creed:

“Father of the Constitution” --- quite a nickname indeed!

Yes, the man who did pen our fine Bill of Rights,

Was thoughtful and fair, and quite erudite.

And while slender in build and short as John Adams,

He could be sharp as a tack or quiet as clams.

He began to one side and did argue and write

That the country could use a Head with more bite.

But his heart did not trust the Federalist position:

Their sweeping new powers and their laws of sedition!

He changed his mind over time, as his letters do tell,

Joining Jefferson’s side, and his party as well.

-- Indeed, those to be praised don’t just stick to their guns,

But keep their eyes on the truth, wherever it runs.

So James Madison became President number four,

With the burdens of power and one tricky tough chore,

To take heed the first three and try as he might

To avoid the turmoil that spoiled for a fight.

So he offered fair play and our free and fair trade

To both England and France so long as they bade

That impressment and seizure would come to an end

For the U.S. to remain a partner and friend.

But when France signed on and Great Britain demurred,

A clamor erupted that this was absurd!

For the Brits to shanghai and to steal from our vessels

And even take part in some other rude hassles!

As they were heard to supply the near-native tribes

With ammo and arms, and with war-minded vibes!

-- They’d spur their strong spirits and encourage attacks

With an eye to re-claim American tracts!