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!