They Lived Too Soon

by Anonymous

George Washington was President and honored in his day,
He was the father of the land and all things came his way;
He had a basketful of fun, a wagon load of fame—
But he never was a rooter at a base ball game.

Napoleon conquered half the world and had a crown of gold,
And in his time his cup was just as full as it could hold.
It looks from here as though he should have had his share of fun-
But her never strained his vocals when the home team won.

And also Julius Cesar, who had his share of sport,
He won his share of battles, and always held the fort.
He killed lost of people, regardless of the cost—
But he never booed the umpire when the home team lost.

And also Alexander, he turned most every trick,
And then shed tears because there were no more worlds to lick,
He climbed ‘way up the ladder, as high as people get—
But he never pawned his scepter to pay a baseball bet.

Published in the Chicago Record, 1896.

 

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