Gen. Albert Pike's poems | ||
AFTER-DINNER.
EXPLANATION.
In the winter of 1859–1860, Beverly Tucker, then Counsul at Liverpool, sent John F. Coyle, of Washington, a saddle of mutton, and sundry pheasants and other game. Upon this John made up a dinner party of twenty, doing so on the condition that I should write something to be sung at table. The result was the following “werses,” which were sung by Jack Savage. In each verse after the sixth, a blank was left, where the person named in it was to write his name; which each did when the verse had been sung. A copy of it was transmitted to “Bev.” by next mail. He had it lithographed, and sent over a few copies, of one whereof the following is a printed copy.
Of the twenty persons, eight only are now living. Worthless as a poem, the lines are priceless to me for the signatures and the memories they invoke.—
Quam istorum qui deciderunt meminisse.
From the little room at Johnny Coyle's where once we used to dine,
And where we've met today, to eat your mutton and your game,
Which lately over that same brine, a welcome present came.
With “Jon” Kingman on his left, Will Hunter on his right;
At the foot our genial Mayor, better known a Jim Berrett,
On either hand of whom Clem Hill, and Walter Lenox sit.
Hugh Caperton, of martial fame, Jack Savage, full of song,
Arnold Harris, Charley Boteler, who was never known to tire,
Buck Bayliss, Robert Johnson, Charley Winder, Jim McGuire.
And Albert Pike, of Arkansaw the glass ne'er pretermits:
Ned Tidball, Major Donoho, and Royal Robert Ould,
Just twenty, Bev.! you recollect the room will no more hold.
In Liebfraunmilch, Latour, Lafitte, and ruddy Romance,
In ripe Amontillado we remember you, old friend!
And Sercial and Buel to the feast enchantment lend.
'Tis moved and seconded, and all without demur agree,
That each shall send you greeting, in these free and easy rhymes,
That, redolent of fun, shall stir the memories of old times.
And I drain the brimming bumper, to your health, and happiness;
Contented, prosperous, fortunate, unvexed by care or toil,
May your days glide gracefully away is the wish of John Coyle.
Your enemies prove impotent, your friends prove staunch and true,
May your Life's current smoothly flow, nor vainly chafe and fret,
Against the impediments of fate! this drinks James G. Berret.
Your Evening like your Morning and Meridian be fair,
And when Life's Sunset calmly comes, may all your Sky be clear,
I, W. Hunter, breathe this wish, heartfelt, and most sincere.
Health, on good terms, with social cheer, and foe of abstinence;
Peace without dulness; Competence without frugality,
All this in loving kindness Bev., E. Kingman wishes thee.
From all annoyances that sting, all troubles that perplex!
The generous heart we love so well! Thus wishes Clement Hill.
May Pheasants not destroy your taste for homely jowl and greens!
Nor English rolls, corn-bread displace, nor any royal fish,
Make you contemn Potomac shad! I, Arnold Harris, wish.
Nor kindliness and confidence to cold indifference change!
Nor doubt, or dumb suspicion of an old friend's truth spring up!
To this C. W. Boteler drains an overflowing cup.
Soon may your chimney-corner be once more your only shrine!
At home with loving hearts around, no longer an estray,
May you find happiness indeed! I, E. M. Tidball, pray.
Who fortunately flush himself will be rejoiced to lend!
You'll never want the ready will, a friend in need to aid,
And may you never want the means, J. Knox Walker's wish is said.
May these familiar Signatures, these unpretending rhymes,
Oh Barnum! may you soon return, our merriment to share!
Vouchsafe this favour, Oh, ye Gods! is Charles H. Winder's prayer.
Nor in her wrath afflict you with the last calamity.
May you Congressional slavery 'scape, whatever else betides:
This Robert W. Johnson asks, and asks no boon besides.
To feast on fish and flesh and fowl be mercifully spared!
Without that penalty the gout, which some for pleasure pay,
May you that luxury enjoy! I, Buckner Bayly, pray.
May Envy, Hate, and Malice, seek to injure you in vain!
And if, dear Bev., between us, Power again is put to choose,
May you the wished for office win, and J. D. Hoover lose!
Nor off your feet or foundered, Bev., to drain your glass refuse,
Long may the generous life-blood of the grape your wit inspire,
And drive away dull care, old friend! wishes James C. McGuire.
With tears attest the soul's sharp pain, may it be proved a lie!
May such a wake be given you, as once was given me,
And may I, Albert Pike, and all these friends be there to see!
May your share of the pickings be at least a consulate!
Due meed for loyal services, may none from you withhold
Nor those you help ungrateful prove! thus wishes Robert Ould.
Receive the buffets dealt by Fate, with firm and equal mind!
From whatsoever quarters ill-luck's cross-winds wildly blow,
May you as safe at anchor ride, as Thomas Donoho.
May all the arrows of hard fate your portly person miss!
Lord love you, Bev., and bless you with those blessings manifold,
Which round the home-hearth clustering, are more than place or gold.
That home when to it you return, once more a Paradise!
May you with them to cherish you, long walk Life's pleasant ways,
And fall asleep in peace at last! Thus Walter Lenox prays.
Hand lingers clasping hand, and heart seems clinging unto heart;
So I, Hugh Caperton, so all with one accord to cry,
While the voice falters at the word, Dear Bev., old friend, Good bye.
Gen. Albert Pike's poems | ||