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Paul Laurence Dunbar - A Border Ballad
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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 yesternight,
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.
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