Classic Poem

I saw him lying cold and dead
Who yesterday was whole.
— Why, — I inquired, — hath he expired?
And why hath fled his soul? —

— But yesterday, — his comrade said,
— All health was his, and strength;
And this is why he came to die —
If I may speak at length.

— But yesternight at dinnertime
At a not unknown café,
He had a frugal meal as you
Might purchase any day.

— The check for his so simple fare
Was only eighty cents,
And a dollar bill with a right good will
Came from his opulence.

— The waiter brought him twenty cents.
'Twas only yesternight
That he softly said who now is dead
— Oh, keep it. 'At's a' right. —

— And the waiter plainly uttered — Thanks. —
With no hint of scorn or pride;
And my comrade's heart gave a sudden start
And my comrade up and died. —

Now waiters overthwart this land,
In tearooms and in dives,
Mute be your lips whatever the tips,
And save your customers' lives.