Ballads and Lyrical poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

If he to whom this toast we drink
Has brought the needy to his door,
Or raised the wretch from ruin's brink
From the abundance of his store:
If he has sooth'd the mourner's woe,
Or help'd young merit into fame,
This night our cups shall overflow
In honour of his name.

II

If he be poor, and yet has striven
To ease the load of human care;
If to the famish'd he has given
One loaf that it was hard to spare;
If in his poverty erect,
He never did one deed of shame,
Fill high! we'll drain in deep respect
A bumper to his name.

III

But rich or poor—if still his plan
Has been to play an honest part,
If he ne'er fail'd his word to man,
Or broke a trusting woman's heart;
If Emulation fire his soul
To snatch the meed of virtuous fame,
Fill high! we'll drain a flowing bowl
In honour of his name.