A Jolly Good Game

I.

You may talk as you please about Life's necromancy;--
'Tis a journey of smiles or of tears as you fancy--
For I always have found,--and I'm happy to say it,--
'Tis a jolly good game if one knows how to play it!

II.

The Dealer sits yonder,--the hands that he serves us--
The brains and the beauty and courage that nerves us,--
And strength for the struggle; and then he gives warning,
To play to the ceiling till dawn of the morning!

III.

And mighty the stakes that he sets us to try for!
Fame, Fortune and Honor, and Love, that men die for!
The Sword, or the Crown, or the Star, or the Garter,
And all the high winnings men bargain and barter!

IV.

He deals us the hand,--and no one may discard it!
The game must go on with no power to retard it!
And whether the hand be a good one or bad one,
He asks of us only to play it a glad one.

V.

Then let people talk about life as they see it;
You can make it for you what your heart may decree it;
For I always have found--and I'm happy to say it,--
'Tis a jolly good game if you know how to play it!