And who should be more in the humour to sing a merry song than the student, who revels in the enjoyment of the serene present, perhaps shutting out a darker future from his eyes, which is yet separated from him by his examination. This happy time, free from all cares, which darken the later life of him who grasps at riches or at the phantom of renown; this time, he knows well, comprehends but a few years,--"but the whole of life," thinks he philosophically enough, "is but a span of time, therefore let us the more enjoy these years, and celebrate with song the felicity of youth." In this spirit they often sing and act with great glee the following comic piece:
[AN UNBOUNDED JOLLITY.]
An unbounded jollity is of my life the rule, Sir,
Since it leads me gaily through youth's rosy paradise:
Comes a Manichean in, an old dunning fool, sir,
I'm sure to give him much good advice.
"'Slife! hear you now, sir, I want my gold."
"Cease jaw, Camel, I've none, and that's soon told."
Spoken.--Make thyself scarce. Old Lamentable! Give time! or I'll pay thy long bill with five silver groschen. Agio.--We'll knock it all off (pointing to his stick, and showing his five fingers.)
Quickly doth the old fool fly,