To Dan

Step me now a bridal measure,     Work give way to love and leisure,     Hearts be free and hearts be gay--     Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.     Diagnosis, cease your squalling--     Check that scalpel's senseless bawling,     Put that ugly knife away--     Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.     'Tis no time for things unsightly,     Life's the day and life goes lightly;     Science lays aside her sway--     Love rules Dr. Dan to-day.     Gather, gentlemen and ladies,     For the nuptial feast now made is,     Swing your garlands, chant your lay     For the pair who wed to-day.     Wish them happy days and many,     Troubles few and griefs not any,     Lift your brimming cups and say     God bless them who wed to-day.     Then a cup to Cupid daring,     Who for conquest ever faring,     With his arrows dares assail     E'en a doctor's coat of mail.     So with blithe and happy hymning     And with harmless goblets brimming,     Dance a step--musicians play--     Doctor Dan doth wed to-day.