FRIENDS whom to-night once more I greet, Most glad am I with you to be, And, as I look around, I meet Many a face right good to see; But one I miss -- ah! where is he? -- Of merry eye and sparkling jest, Who used to brim my glass for me: I drink -- in what? -- the Absent Guest. Low lies he in his winding-sheet, By organized hypocrisy Hurled from his happy wine-clad seat, Stilled his kind heart and hushed his glee; His very name daren't mention we, That good old friend who brought such zest, And set our tongues and spirits free: I drink -- in what? -- the Absent Guest. No choice to-night 'twixt "dry" or "sweet," 'Twixt red or white, 'twixt Rye, -- ah! me -- Or Scotch -- and think! we live to see't -- No whispered word, nor massive fee, Nor even influenza plea, Can raise a bubble; but, as best We may, we make our hollow spree: I drink -- in what? -- the Absent Guest. ENVOI Friends, good is coffee, good is tea, And water has a charm unguessed -- And yet -- that brave old deity! I drink -- in tears -- the Absent Guest. |