Page:Spouter's companion.pdf/5

5

HOW-D'YE-DO AND GOOD-BYE

One day Good-bye met How-d'ye-do,

Too close to shun saluting;

But soon the rival sisters flew

From kissing to disputing.

"Away!" says How-d'ye-do," your mien

Appals my cheerful nature;

No name so sad as yours is seen

In sorrow's nomenclature.

Where'er I give one, sunshine hour,

Your cloud comes in to shade it;

Where'er I plant one bosom's flower,

Your mildew drops to fade it.

Ere How-d'ye-do has tuned each tongue

To 'hope's delightful measure,'

Good-bye in friendship's ear has rung

The knell of parting pleasure!

From sorrows past, my chemic skill

Draws smiles of consolation;

While you, from present joys, distil

The tears of separation."

Good-bye replied, “Your statement's true,

And well your cause you've pleaded;

But, pray, who'd think of How-d'ye-do,

Unless Good-bye preceded!

Without my prior influence,

Could yours have ever flourish'd;

And can your land one flower dispense,

But those my tears have nourish'd?