It appears that Mr. Shade’s parody passed into folklore, because this somewhat different version with two new lines began circulating without attribution in newspapers a few years later. I found this in The Aspen Daily Times, November 17, 1900, page 4. It can be seen at the Colorado Historic Newspapers website.


HE RAN FOR OFFICE.

He ran for office (foolish man) but ‘twas a shameful sin
That one who had a perfect cinch should somehow fail to win.

His head ls big to bursting; his appetite is gone.
And so his boodle is; and all his diamonds are in pawn.

The shouting of the other gang grates harshly on his ear.
He swears he’s done with politics for many a long. long year.

He says, while vainly searching through his pockets for some cash,
The next time he will let the country go “kerplunk” to smash.

He mutters oft a wicked word beginning with a “d.”
For one of his legs is longer than it really ought to be.

—Leadville News Reporter.