OH, I haven't got long to live, for we all Die soon, e'en those who live longest; And the poorest and weakest are taking their chance Along with the richest and strongest. So it 's heigho for a glass and a song, And a bright eye over the table, And a dog for the hunt when the game is flush, And the pick of a gentleman's stable. There is Dimmock o' Dune, he was here yester-night, But he 's rotting to-day on Glen Arragh; 'T was the hand o' MacPherson that gave him the blow, And the vultures shall feast on his marrow. But it 's heigho for a brave old song And a glass while we are able; Here 's a health to death and another cup To the bright eye over the table. I can show a broad back and a jolly deep chest, But who argues now on appearance? A blow or a thrust or a stumble at best May send me to-day to my clearance. Then it 's heigho for the things I love, My mother 'll be soon wearing sable, But give me my horse and my dog and my glass, And a bright eye over the table. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SPIRITUAL by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR ECHOES: 7 by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY EARLY RISING by JOHN GODFREY SAXE IN THE BELFRY OF THE NIEUWE KERK by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH BEVERLY SHORE IN WINTER by THOMAS GOLD APPLETON PROLOGUE TO DRAMA ..... ANNIVERSARY OF CARRS' MARRIAGE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE IDEAL by KATHARINE LEE BATES |