  (From “Hugh Trevor.”) HO! why dost thou shiver and shake, Gaffer Gray? And why does thy nose look so blue? “’Tis the weather that’s cold, ’Tis I’m grown very old, And my doublet is not very new, Well-a-day!” Then line thy worn doublet with ale, Gaffer Gray! And warm thy old heart with a glass. “Nay, but credit I’ve none, And my money’s all gone; Then say how may that come to pass? Well-a-day!” Hie away to the house on the brow, Gaffer Gray, And knock at the jolly priest’s door. “The priest often preaches Against worldly riches, But ne’er gives a mite to the poor, Well-a-day!” The lawyer lives under the hill, Gaffer Gray; “He will fasten his locks, And will threaten the stocks, Should he ever more find me in want, Well-a-day!” The squire has fat beeves and brown ale, Gaffer Gray; And the season will welcome you there. “His beeves and his beer, And his merry New Year, Are all for the flush and the fair, Well-a-day!” My keg is but low, I confess, Gaffer Gray; What then? While it lasts, man, we’ll live. “The poor man alone, When he hears the poor moan, Of his morsel a morsel will give, Well-a-day!” Thomas Holcroft. |
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