For the toast shall be dry, and the tea shall be bitter,

And all through your breakfast this thought shall intrude;

That a little pale brandy and Seltzer is fitter

For such an occasion than animal food.

I have known, silly fly, the delight beyond measure—

The blissful sensation, prolong'd and intense—

The rapturous, wild, and ineffable pleasure,

Of drinking at somebody else's expense.

But I own—and it's not without pride that I own it—

Whenever some friend in his generous way