And soon with answers alternate we strove

Whether, beyond death, Life hath any shore.

"Come, fill the cup," said he. "In the fire of Spring

Your Winter-garment of Repentance fling.

The Bird of Time has but a little way

To flutter—and the Bird is on the Wing."

"The Bird of Time?" I answered. "Then have I

No heart for Wine. Must we not cross the Sky

Unto Eternity upon his wings—Or,

failing, fall into the Gulf and die?"

[Pg 4]

"Ay; so, for the Glories of this World sigh some,

And some for the Prophet's Paradise to come;

But you, Friend, take the Cash—the Credit leave,

Nor heed the rumble of a distant Drum!"

"What! take the Cash and let the Credit go?

Spend all upon the Wine the while I know

A possible To-morrow may bring thirst

For Drink but Credit then shall cause to flow?"

"Yea, make the most of what you yet may spend,

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