The Complete Poems Of Paul Laurence Dunbar. Paul Laurence Dunbar

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      A BORDER BALLAD

      Oh, I have n’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;

      ‘Twas 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.