“O say not Tom will e’er be bought

With Truth’s alluring treasure;

And say not Tom will e’er be caught

With any liberal measure;

For aye with venom’d tooth he gnaws

Worth, virtue, truth – and never

Ought in his soul save falsehood glows –

He lies, and lies for ever.

.

O say not Tommy’s tales are fair,

He’ll fib as he is able;

That black is white he’ll stoutly swear,

And then that white is sable.

And falsehood’s love that first could worm

His breast, will leave it never;

No noble motive e’er can charm –

He lies, and lies for ever.

John Lentell of Hunter’s Lodge.

February 23rd, 1968