He has never grudged his parents a pleasant word an' smile.

The devil of grog it caught him, an' then he turned an' said.

By that which fed from off him, he henceforth would be fed;

An' that which lived upon him, should give him a livin' o'er;

An' so he keeps that groggery that's next to Wilson's store.

But howsoe'er he's wandered, I've al'ays so far heard

That he had a sense of honor, an' never broke his word;

An' his mother, from the good Lord, she says, has understood

That, if he agrees to be sober, he'll keep the promise good.