Classic Poem

Poor John is dead! I knew him well;
Oft have I heard him ring his knell.
Poor John is dead!

Alas! I little could have thought,
My ears for him the song were taught.
Poor John is dead!

He sung, as none could sing before him,
His favourite song — to Death it bore him.
Poor John is dead!

The loss of such a merry heart
Reminds the gay that friends must part.
Poor John is dead!

The noose , when single , he defy'd ,
He married, and the neighbours cried
Poor John is dead!

Of all his merriment bereft,
The soul was gone — the form was left.
Poor John was dead!

The merry song was heard no more,
The tomb within its opening door,
Prepar'd his bed,
For John the dead!

In mercy now the shaft is come,
Instead of being vex'd and glum,
Poor John — is dead!

MORAL

Before you wed,
And comb your head,
Let this be read —
" Poor John is dead! "