Once I was a gallant and bold I

And you so tender and true,

But I’ll never again be the old I

Nor you the old you.

I shall go lounging along on the edge

Of the grass … You’ll loiter along by the hedge.

I shall go dogged through dust and the dirt

Like an ass in my moods.

You with a new sweetheart at your skirt

Ev’ry few roods …

“Once I was a gallant,” etc.

We’ll maybe jog along together

A long way;

Maybe put up with the weather together,

Better or worse

As it chances day by day,

Or maybe part with a kick and a curse

I and you,

After a turning or two …

“But I’ll never again,” etc.