Classic Poem

When friends look dark and cold,
And maids neither laugh nor sigh,
And your enemy proffers his gold,
Be sure there is danger nigh.
O, then 'tis time to look forward,
And back, like the hunted hare;
And to watch, as the little bird watches,
When the falcon is in the air.

When the trader is scant of words,
And your neighbour is rough or shy,
And your banker recalls his hoards,
Be sure there is danger nigh
O, then 'tis time to look forward, &c.

Whenever a change is wrought,
And you know not the reason why,
In your own or an old friend's thought,
Be sure there is evil nigh.
O, then 'tis time to look forward, &c.