Why, hang it all, let life go by,
It is but bubbles we pursue;
They burst at last, and then we sigh
And pay what folly claims as due.
We have our time to smile and sigh,
Who knows the false from all the true?
Let us enjoy before we die,
Churchwardens and a friend or two.
For these are things that will not fly
Nor fade, as other pleasures do;
Nay, trust me, for I would not lie—
At least I would not lie to you.
There is a time when earth and sky
Unite—when lovers bill and coo—
A happy time; but let us try
Churchwardens and a friend or two.
Alas! what grief when you descry
White strangers—just a very few—
Among your hair. A friendly eye
Detects them, though you never knew.
Well, let them come, nor look awry,
But trust the gods to pull you through;
They'll do it if they but supply
Churchwardens and a friend or two.
Envoi

Prince should your royal eyes espy
A white hair—this is entre nous—
Remember you are very nigh
Churchwardens and a friend or two.