YE single folks all, that adorn this gay table, Come join in a chorus as loud as you're able: Let the married ones know, by your mirth and your song, That for us every New Year comes smiling along. Derry down &c. Sweet Liberty's ours, to the wise ever dear, And while it is ours we have nothing to fear: No wives ever-scolding, our hearts to dismay, Nor husbands to thank us 'cause wiser than they. Derry down &c. No brats that are squalling for victuals at home, No grave curtain-lectures when thither we come; No faults to be found with our persons or minds, For who in himself imperfections e'er finds? Derry down &c. Can ambition desire more absolute sway Than to be our own masters for good and for aye? Be this then your maxim, and follow it still, Those only are happy who have their own will. Derry down &c. But happiness only is known by compare, As foils set off diamonds. Lo! our foil is there. Ah! Hymen, the looks of thy victims explain The comfort of dragging an old rusty chain. Derry down &c. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WINGED MAN by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET ODE TO ETHIOPIA by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE MAID'S LAMENT; ELIZABETHAN by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR IRELAND (1847) by DENIS FLORENCE MCCARTHY THE AUTHOR'S EPITAPH, MADE BY HIMSELF by WALTER RALEIGH |