Fear of the Lamppost
is the Only Thing
that keeps Government Honest.
You need two more syllables in the first line.
Even then, not so much.
Fear of the Lamppost
Is the Only Thing That Keeps
Government Honest
Address to Lord Lovelace
Governor Lewis Morris, March 12, 1708/9
As Ravens and Night-owls their Voices betray
So Asses are certainly known when they bray.
And Spight of the Noise and bustle they’ve made
Mankind will believe that a Spade is a Spade.
That Bullies and Bankrupts, and Men without Store
Dull wretches that have not one Virtue or More,
The Pests of the Country, whose Practice has been
To flatter the Governor, and Lie to the Queen,
Have right to no favour in a Well-govern’d State
But to Swing in an Halter, or peep through a Grate.