Page:Famous Single Poems (1924).djvu/85

 Bounce, all hands to Fishkill must go in a clutter To guzzle bohea and destroy bread and butter! While you at New Lebanon stand all forlorn Behind the cold counter from evening to morn. The old tenor merchants push nigher and nigher Till fairly they shut out poor Baze from the fire.

Out, out, my dear brother, Aunt Amy's just come With a flask for molasses and a bottle for rum. Run! Help the poor creature to light from her jade, You see the dear lady's a power afraid. Souse into your arms she leaps like an otter And smears your new coat with a piggin of butter.

Next an army of shakers your quarters beleager With optics distorted and visages meagre, To fill their black runlets with brandy and gin — Two blessed exorcists to drive away sin. But laugh away sorrow nor mind it a daisy Since it matters but little, my dear brother Bazee, Whether here you are rolling in pastime and pleasure Or up at New Labanon taffety measure. If the sweetest of lasses,, you find, And the enjoy of an undisturb'd mind, Of friendship & love let who will make a pother Believe me, dear Baze, your affectionate brother Will never forget the fifth son of his mother.

P. S. If it suits your convenience, remit if you please To my good brother Paul an embrace and a squeeze.