But he, by farmstead, thorpe and spire, And followed with acclaims, A sign to many a staring shire, Right down by smoky Paul's they bore, One fixed forever at the door, And one became head-waiter. But whither would my fancy go? Among the chops and steaks! 'Tis but a steward of the can, One shade more plump than common; As just and mere a serving-man I ranged too high what draws me down Into the common day? Is it the weight of that half-crown, Which I shall have to pay? I sit, (my empty glass reversed,) And thrumming on the table: Half fearful that, with self at strife, I take myself to task: I leave an empty flask: For I had hope, by something rare, But, while I plan and plan, my hair Is So fares it since the years began, Till they be gathered up; The truth that flies the flowing can, And others' follies teach us not, Nor much their wisdom teaches; And most, of sterling worth, is what Our own experience preaches. Ah! let the rusty theme alone! We know not what we know. But for my pleasant hour, 't is gone, 'Tis gone, and let it go. 'Tis gone a thousand such have slipt Away from my embraces, And fallen into the dusty crypt Of darkened forms and faces. Go, therefore, thou! thy betters went The tavern-hours of mighty wits- Hours, when the Poet's words and looks Had made him talk for show; So mix forever with the past, Like all good things on earth! For should I prize thee, couldst thou last, At half thy real worth? I hold it good, good things should pass : With time I will not quarrel: It is but yonder empty glass That makes me maudlin-moral. Head-waiter of the chop-house here, To which I most resort, I too must part: I hold thee dear For this, thou shalt from all things such But thou wilt never move from hence, In haunts of hungry sinners, We fret, we fume, would shift our skins, Would quarrel with our lot; Thy care is, under polished tins, To serve the hot-and-hot; And watched by silent gentlemen, Live long, ere from thy topmost head Long, ere the hateful crow shall tread The corners of thine eyes; Live long, nor feel in head or chest Till mellow Death, like some late guest, But when he calls, and thou shalt cease And, laying down an unctuous lease No carved cross-bones, the types of Death, But carved cross-pipes, and, underneath, A pint-pot, neatly graven |