Death, are you well? I trust you have no cough
That's painful or in any way annoying —
No kidney trouble that may carry you off,
Or heart disease to keep you from enjoying
Your meals — and ours.‘ T were very sad indeed
To have to quit the busy life you lead.
You've been quite active lately for so old
A person, and not very strong-appearing.
I'm apprehensive, somehow, that my bold,
Bad brother gave you trouble in the spearing.
And my two friends — I fear, sir, that you ran
Quite hard for them, especially the man.
I crave your pardon:‘ twas no fault of mine;
If you are overworked I'm sorry, very.
Come in, old man, and have a glass of wine.
What shall it be — Marsala, Port or Sherry?
What! just a mug of blood? That's funny grog
To ask a friend for, eh? Well, take it, hog!