To Represent Autun
in the Estates-General
of 1789
The disappointed prelate whipped up wine
Selections and the best cuisine to set
Before the people of Autun to dine
On at the bishop’s table. Out to get
The power he wanted, he put suavest cloths
With shining china, sterling silverware
And candelabra out, brought guests like moths
To smooth temptation’s tastes. He didn’t care
About the lowest of them or the best.
Charles wanted nothing but their votes. He tripped
Up on the priestly vestments he had dressed
In, slipped up on the holy words he lipped
In sacred service, but his direction
Skills elsewhere worked. He won the election.