The Scarlet Gown Being Verses by a St. Andrews Man (R. F. Murray): Second Edition with Additional Poems, and an Introduction by Andrew Lang |
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 | The Scarlet Gown |  |
101
Counsel to Clerks
Gather ye fishbones while ye may,
The luncheon hour is flying,
And this same cod, that's boiled to-day,
To-morrow will be frying.
The luncheon hour is flying,
And this same cod, that's boiled to-day,
To-morrow will be frying.
The handsome clock of ormolu
A quarter past is showing,
And soon 'twill be a quarter to,
When you must think of going.
A quarter past is showing,
And soon 'twill be a quarter to,
When you must think of going.
That man eats best who eats the first,
When fish and plates are warmer,
But being cold, the worse and worst
Fare still succeeds the former.
When fish and plates are warmer,
But being cold, the worse and worst
Fare still succeeds the former.
Then be not coy, but use your lungs,
And while ye may, cry ‘Waiter’!
For having held just now your tongues,
You may repent it later.
And while ye may, cry ‘Waiter’!
For having held just now your tongues,
You may repent it later.
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