Late Lyrics and Earlier

The Chimes Play

"LIFE'S A BUMPER!"

"Awake! I'm off to cities far away,"

I said; and rose, on peradventures bent.

The chimes played "Life's a Bumper!" on that day

To the measure of my walking as I went:

Their sweetness frisked and floated on the lea,

As they played out "Life's a Bumper!" there to me.

"Awake!" I said. "I go to take a bride!"

--The sun arose behind me ruby-red

As I journeyed townwards from the countryside,

The chiming bells saluting near ahead.

Their sweetness swelled in tripping tings of glee

As they played out "Life's a Bumper!" there to me.

"Again arise." I seek a turfy slope,

And go forth slowly on an autumn noon,

And there I lay her who has been my hope,

And think, "O may I follow hither soon!"

While on the wind the chimes come cheerily,

Playing out "Life's a Bumper!" there to me.

1913.