Lapsus Calami (Apr 1891)/To T. M. W.
To T. M. W.
(Air: Drink to me only.)
Drink to me only with thine eyes and I'll pledge thee with mine,
Leave but some coffee in thy cup and I'll not ask for wine.
A circuit dinner, as I know, doth ask a drink divine,
Yet would I scorn the mess champagne, could I get but that liquor of thine.
I sent thee late a prosy brief, not so much honouring thee,
As in the hope that thou wouldst work and I should get the fee.
Thou sent'st it back: it was endorsed with judgement against me.
'Tis still unpaid and smells I swear of lemonade and tea.
Leave but some coffee in thy cup and I'll not ask for wine.
A circuit dinner, as I know, doth ask a drink divine,
Yet would I scorn the mess champagne, could I get but that liquor of thine.
I sent thee late a prosy brief, not so much honouring thee,
As in the hope that thou wouldst work and I should get the fee.
Thou sent'st it back: it was endorsed with judgement against me.
'Tis still unpaid and smells I swear of lemonade and tea.