Once more, Good Friends, we're gathered 'round the board
To feel the joys of fellowship restored.
There's nothing like them! _Friends_ can't be replaced,
Nor thoughts of them from Memory be effaced!
Of course we form _new_ friendships, but I feel
That these, like _old_ ones, are not staunch and real.
It takes long years to _prove_ our friends, you know,--
Those who are steadfast in our weal or woe.
So here's to you, Miss Prim! and you, Miss Prude!
We wouldn't have you different if we could!
Two Roses rare you are, and sweet; I ween
You were not doomed to bloom and blush unseen.
I've seen your cheeks suffused with crimson hues;
(Dame Nature's _make-up_ is the rouge you use!)
I've seen your lips in saucy challenge perked;
(But for your protests, they'd be overworked!)
I've seen your eyes with mischief filled and tears;
(But I could never _pity_ you, My Dears!)
I've seen your breasts with agitation heave;
(Your _hearts_ must be affected, I believe!)
I've seen your shapely forms pass in review
Before my lonely couch, in dreams of you,--
And what I haven't seen, some little bird
Has told me all about. Upon my word,
If what he says be true, what I have _heard_
To what I've seen, methinks, would be preferred.
Then here's to Friendship! What more potent force
Doth link mankind together? Love, of course,
Doth fetter us betimes, but Time must say
Whom we shall cherish, whom to cast away.
When Love and Friendship, heart and hand, are bound,
What more of Joy can compass us around?
So, Friends and Sweethearts, Comrades tried and true,
We pledge our love and loyalty to you!