Читать книгу The Wit and Humor of America, Volume V - Marshall Pinckney Wilder - Страница 3

This is a simple song, 'tis true—

        My songs are never over-nice,—

And yet I'll try and scatter through

        A little pinch of good advice.

Then listen, pompous friend, and learn

        To never boast of much renown,

For fortune's wheel is on the turn,

        And some go up and some come down.

I know a vast amount of stocks,

        A vast amount of pride insures;

But Fate has picked so many locks

        I wouldn't like to warrant yours.

Remember, then, and never spurn

        The one whose hand is hard and brown,

For he is likely to go up,

        And you are likely to come down.

Another thing you will agree,

        (The truth may be as well confessed)

That "Codfish Aristocracy"

        Is but a scaly thing at best.

And Madame in her robe of lace,

        And Bridget in her faded gown,

Both represent a goodly race,

        From father Adam handed down.

Life is uncertain—full of change;

        Little we have that will endure;

And 't were a doctrine new and strange

        That places high are most secure;

And if the fickle goddess smile,

        Yielding the scepter and the crown,

'Tis only for a little while,

        Then B. goes up and A. comes down.

This world, for all of us, my friend

        Hath something more than pounds and pence;

Then let me humbly recommend,

        A little use of common sense.

Thus lay all pride of place aside,

        And have a care on whom you frown;

For fear you'll see him going up,

        When you are only coming down.