And the startling creeds, and the loose cravat;

There was splenetic journalistic Fred,

Of the sharp retort and the shabby hat;

There was dreamy Frank, of the lounging gait,

Who lived on nothing a year, or less,

And always meant to be something great,

But only meant, and smoked to excess;

And last myself, whom their funny sneers

Annoyed no whit as they laughed and said,

I listened to all their grand ideas