And chew their stalks with a nibbling bite;

And I'd let my fancies roam abroad

In search of a hint for a birthday ode,

Crazily, crazily!

* * * * *

Oh, would not that be a merry life,

Apart from care and apart from strife,

With the Laureate's wine, and the Laureate's pay,

And no deductions at quarter-day!

Oh, that would be the post for me!