The lines of Bill and me and John

Were cast in pleasant places;

And "Friends," I murmured, "what's the odds

If you are rather battered gods?

This is no time for Ichabods

And eheu—er—fugaces."

Ah, no; I did not mourn the years'

Fell work upon those poor old-dears,

Nor PITT nor Venus drew my tears

And set me slowly sobbing;