You may travel in China, Luzon, or Japan;
Or lodge on the plains of the Ultimate West;
You may lounge at your ease on a rich divan;
And drink of red wine at a king’s behest,
Then lie by the hour in slumberous rest,
And be of deep joy a subservient thrall,
Yet awake with a feel that is clearly confessed,
That a jolly good friendship is better than all!
You may sail from your home-port a half-a-world span,
And touch the Sweet Isle with joy in your breast;