Friend, guide, comedian, and best of fellows!
Why do I say 'he was,' and seem to cast
A present favourite into the past?
He's with us yet, and could he but address you,
I'd say for you, 'Shake hands, old friend, God bless you!'
There ran a rumour lately through the town,'
'O have you heard! poor Belford's breaking down!'
A gentleman, and Spartan like the rest,
Too proud to show the fox that gnawed his breast,
He murmured not, sat waiting, did not shirk,