Goody, says I, let what wool come,
We’ve nothing for them but our prayers.
“May you be all as old as I,
And see your sons to manhood grow;
And many a time, before you die,
Be just as pleased as I am now.”
Then (raising still his mug and voice),
“An old man’s weakness don’t despise!
I love you well, my girls and boys.
God bless you all!” So said his eyes;