Classic Poem

Old Time and I the other night
Had a carouse together;
The wine was golden, warm and bright, —
Aye! just like Summer weather.
Quoth I, " Here's Christmas come again,
And I no farthing richer, "
Time answered " Ah the old, old strain! —
I prithee pass the pitcher. "

" Why measure all your good in gold?
No rope of sand is weaker;
'Tis hard to get, 'tis hard to hold —
Come, lad, fill up your beaker. "
" Hast thou not found true friends more true
And loving ones more loving? "
I could but say, " A few, a few,
So keep the liquor moving. "

" Hast thou not seen the prosp'rous knave
Come down a precious thumper?
His cheats disclosed? " " I have, I have! "
" Well, surely that's a bumper! "
" Nay, hold awhile, I've seen the just
Find all their hopes grow dimmer. "
" They will hope on, and strive and trust,
And conquer! " " That's a brimmer. "

" Tis not because to-day is dark,
No brighter days before 'em;
There's rest for every storm-tossed bark. "
" So be it! Pass the j[o]rum! "
" Yet I must own I should not mind
To be a little richer. "
" Labor and wait, and you may find — "
" Halloo! an empty pitcher. "