University of Virginia Library

VI.

“I pity you,” answered the seedy chap,
“For nothing to do, and the money in hand,
To such as you is a sad mishap,
And very exceedingly hard to stand.
Now, as for me, why I haven't a rap;
Scarcely a dollar can I command—
To find a shilling sometimes is hard—
(My name is Sharp, and there is my card!)
But I manage to get my grub each day,
Beside my share of a pleasant tap,
When a friend stands treat, and there's nothing to pay.
I drive my work in a quiet way,
And when the night has driven the day,
My wearied form on the bed I lay,
And take, what my hat now needs—a nap.
My fortune is to come as yet,
While yours, you tell me, has been made;
I have no doubt that wealth I'll get,
But not by process slow of trade.
No, sir! I have a project rare,
Suited to such a man as you,
Doubling your riches. Do not stare!
Something you'll shortly have to do,
Giving that joy you've sought in vain,
And making just such golden rain,
As Zee-us brought to woo the maid,
Miss Daniels, in the Grecian shade.”
(You see, the seedy man had read
The classics, in a free translation,
And, not remembering clearly, made,
In names and facts, some alteration.)
“Very well,” quoth the Captain, “your meaning make clear;
Pray develop your project; speak boldly and freely.”
“Some spying reporter,” Sharp answered, “might hear
And carry the details to Bennett or Greeley.
Let me see! it is three; I've no business at present
To trouble my head, so we'll lunch, if you say,
At Taylor's, and there we'll discuss it—'tis pleasant
To lunch with a friend, when there's nothing to pay.
'Tis a joy fit for monarchs, to ask a good fellow
To feed at your cost, when you've plenty of pelf;
But my selfishness green, and benevolence mellow,
Will let you have that pleasure, debarring myself.”