4
how d'ye-do, and good-bye.
One day Good-bye met How-d'ye-do,
Too close to shun saluting;
But soon the rival sisters flew
From kissing to disputing.
Away!" says How-d'ye-do," your mine
Appals my cheerful nature;
No name so sad as yours is seen
In sorrow's nomenclature.
Where'er I give one sunshine hour
Your cloud comes in to shade it;
Where'er I plant one bosom's flower,
Your mildew drops to fade it.
Ere How-d'ye-do has turned each tongue
To 'hope's delighted measure,
Good bye in friendship's ear has rung
The knell of parting pleasure!
From sorrows past, my chemic skill
Draws smiles of consolation;
While you, from present joys, distill
The tears of separation."
Good-bye replied, "Your statement's true,
And well your cause you've pleaded;
But, pray, who'd think of How-d'ye-do,
Unless Good-by preceded!
Without my prior influence,
Could yours have ever flourish'd;
And can your hand one flower dispense,
But those my tears have nuorish'd?
