The Drunkard





I saw a man at early dawn 

Sitting round a grocery door

His eyes were sunk, his lips

  Were parched

As I viewed him o'er and o'er.

A little boy stood by his side

And unto him did say:

Dear father, Mother's sick at home

And sister cries for bread





He turned around, went in at the door

And staggering up to the bar

He faltering unto the landlord said:

Just give me one drink more.

The host obeyed at this command 

And again filled up the bowl;

He drank while wife and children starved 

And ruined his own soul





A year had elasped; I passed that way.

A crowd had gathered round.

I paused to ask the reason why

One replied, the drunkard is no more

I saw a hearse move slowly along.

No wife nor children were there;

They had gone before the murderer

And left this world of care.





Come all you jolly dram drinkers

by this a warning take 

And quit the over flowing bowl

Before it is too late