To John J. Knickerbocker, Jr.

Whereas, good friend, it doth appear You do possess the notion To his awhile away from here To lands across the ocean; Now, by these presents we would show That, wheresoever wend you, And wheresoever gales may blow, Our friendship shall attend you. What though on Scotia's banks and braes You pluck the bonnie gowan, Or chat of old Chicago days O'er Berlin brew with Cowen; What though you stroll some boulevard In Paris (c'est la belle ville!), Or make the round of Scotland Yard With our lamented Melville? Shall paltry leagues of foaming brine True heart from true hearts sever? No--in this draught of honest wine We pledge it, comrade--never! Though mountain waves between us roll, Come fortune or disaster-- 'Twill knit us closer soul to soul And bind our friendships faster. So here's a bowl that shall be quaff'd To loyalty's devotion, And here's to fortune that shall waft Your ship across the ocean, And here's a smile for those who prate Of Davy Jones's locker, And here's a pray'r in every fate-- God bless you, Knickerbocker!