Note 22 — Chapter XII · ALONG THE COAST
Reading edition
I
’Twas years ago that Kim and I Struck hands and swore, however dry The lip might be or sad the heart, The merry wine should have no part In mitigating sorrow’s blow Or quenching thirst. ’Twas long ago.
II
And now I’ve reached the flood-tide mark Of life; the ebb begins, and dark The future lowers. The tide of wine Will never ebb. ’Twill aye be mine To mourn the desecrated fane Where that lost pledge of youth lies slain.
III
Nay, nay, begone! The jocund bowl Again shall bolster up my soul Against itself. What, good-man, hold! Canst tell me where red wine is sold? Nay, just beyond that peach tree there? Good luck be thine, I’ll thither fare.