Then, human stones, take my advice, (As you should always do, indeed); This proverb may be very nice, But don't you pay it any heed, And, tho' you make the critics cross, Roll on, and never mind the moss.
"After Dinner Sit a While; After Supper Walk a Mile."
After luncheon sit awhile, 'Tis an admirable plan; After dinner walk a mile— But make certain that you can. (Were you not this maxim taught;— "Good is Wrought by want of Port.")
After dinner think on this; Join the ladies with a smile, And remember that a Miss Is as good as any mile. (Thus you may be led to feel What Amis felt for Amile.)
Never fear of being shy At the houses where you dine; You'll recover by-and-bye, With the second glass of wine; And can recognize with bliss That a Meal is not amiss.
"It is Never Too Late to Mend."
Since it can never be too late To change your life, or else renew it, Let the unpleasant process wait Until you are compelled to do it. The State provides (and gratis too) Establishments for such as you.
Remember this, and pluck up heart, That, be you publican or parson, Your ev'ry art must have a start, From petty larceny to arson; And even in the burglar's trade, The cracksman is not born, but made.
So, if in your career of crime, You fail to carry out some "coup", Then try again a second time, And yet again, until you do; And don't despair, or fear the worst, Because you get found out at first.
Perhaps the battle will not go, On all occasions, to the strongest; You may be fairly certain tho' That He Laughs Last who laughs the Longest. So keep a good reserve of laughter, Which may be found of use hereafter.