Classic Poem

Harry once arch, and full of tricks,
Was in a ballad sent to S TYX ;
And from his friends jocose and merry,
Call'd suddenly to Charon's ferry;
But C HARON would not keep him there,
Knowing such wit we could not spare,
And put, by Hall , in merry vein,
Politely pull'd to shore again.
But all his fright and Charon 's favour,
Had no effect on Hall 's behaviour,
Soon as he felt returning breath,
He laugh'd and pass'd his jokes on death;
Old Charon heard and stopt his jest,
With an unbailable arrest ,
Roughly resented what had past,
And haul'd him to his boat at last,
No prayers, entreaties could prevail,
But up he hoisted all his sail.
And never to restore him more,
Landed him on the Stygean shore;
Charon , says Hall , what shall I do?
No flowing bowl is now in view,
No boon companion can I see
No mortal cares to come to me,
And with a look extremely sly,
Begg'd him to sail for Tom and I ;
I'm much oblig'd to him says T OM ,
But am not yet for GOING HOME ;
The doctor hopes he'll wave the call,
And wants before that voyage a STALL ,
So poor friend Hall is left with ghosts,
Without his BUMPERS or his TOASTS ;
Nor has he there a subject fit
For his keen satyr and his wit.