As Wit, Joke and Humor together were…

As Wit, Joke and Humor together were sat, With liquor a plentiful stock, Still varying the scene with song and with chat, The watchman bawl'd, past twelve o'clock.

At that hour, I've read, oft spirits do come, And poor timid mortals affright, Just then, in that instant, one enter'd the room, An ancient, pale-fac'd, meagre sprite.

The phantom appear'd, and the candles burnt blue, Wit and Humor began to stare: Cries out Joke,—Look'e, friends, this is nothing new, Behold!—see 'tis only old Care.

I knew he would tell us, 'twas Time sent him here, And tell us 'twas time to begone; But we'll tell him this, let him think what he dare, We'll finish him ere it be one.

They quickly agreed, and about it they went, Resolving of Care to get free; Wit mov'd it—and strait they all join'd in consent, To lay the ghost in the red sea.

Whole bumpers of claret they quickly drank off, And favorite toasts they went round; When Humor, well pleas'd, thus set up a laugh, Quoth he, how Care looks now he's drown'd!

Then loud shouting began, huzza! they all cry'd, We're rid of this troublesome guest; Fill your bumpers around, let this be your pride, To sing, laugh, and drink to the best.

Now their blood running high at a conquest so great' To singing and drinking they fix; With the sun they arose, with spirits elate, And decently parted at six.