The Archbishop And Gil Blas - A Modernized Version Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: AABB CCDE FFGG AAHH IIJJ DDKK CCLL MMNN DDHH EEOO PPQQ RRSS TTUU| I Don't think I feel much older I'm aware I'm rather gray | A |
| But so are many young folks I meet 'em every day | A |
| I confess I 'm more particular in what I eat and drink | B |
| But one's taste improves with culture that is all it means I think | B |
| - | |
| Can you read as once you used to Well the printing is so bad | C |
| No young folks' eyes can read it like the books that once we had | C |
| Are you quite as quick of hearing Please to say that once again | D |
| Don't I use plain words your Reverence Yes I often use a cane | E |
| - | |
| But it's not because I need it no I always liked a stick | F |
| And as one might lean upon it 't is as well it should be thick | F |
| Oh I'm smart I'm spry I'm lively I can walk yes that I can | G |
| On the days I feel like walking just as well as you young man | G |
| - | |
| Don't you get a little sleepy after dinner every day | A |
| Well I doze a little sometimes but that always was my way | A |
| Don't you cry a little easier than some twenty years ago | H |
| Well my heart is very tender but I think 't was always so | H |
| - | |
| Don't you find it sometimes happens that you can't recall a name | I |
| Yes I know such lots of people but my memory 's not to blame | I |
| What You think my memory's failing Why it's just as bright and clear | J |
| I remember my great grandma She's been dead these sixty year | J |
| - | |
| Is your voice a little trembly Well it may be now and then | D |
| But I write as well as ever with a good old fashioned pen | D |
| It 's the Gillotts make the trouble not at all my finger ends | K |
| That is why my hand looks shaky when I sign for dividends | K |
| - | |
| Don't you stoop a little walking It 's a way I 've always had | C |
| I have always been round shouldered ever since I was a lad | C |
| Don't you hate to tie your shoe strings Yes I own it that is true | L |
| Don't you tell old stories over I am not aware I do | L |
| - | |
| Don't you stay at home of evenings Don't you love a cushioned seat | M |
| In a corner by the fireside with your slippers on your feet | M |
| Don't you wear warm fleecy flannels Don't you muffle up your throat | N |
| Don't you like to have one help you when you're putting on your coat | N |
| - | |
| Don't you like old books you've dogs eared you can't remember when | D |
| Don't you call it late at nine o'clock and go to bed at ten | D |
| How many cronies can you count of all you used to know | H |
| Who called you by your Christian name some fifty years ago | H |
| - | |
| How look the prizes to you that used to fire your brain | E |
| You've reared your mound how high is it above the level plain | E |
| You 've drained the brimming golden cup that made your fancy reel | O |
| You've slept the giddy potion off now tell us how you feel | O |
| - | |
| You've watched the harvest ripening till every stem was cropped | P |
| You 've seen the rose of beauty fade till every petal dropped | P |
| You've told your thought you 've done your task you've tracked your dial round | Q |
| I backing down Thank Heaven not yet I'm hale and brisk and sound | Q |
| - | |
| And good for many a tussle as you shall live to see | R |
| My shoes are not quite ready yet don't think you're rid of me | R |
| Old Parr was in his lusty prime when he was older far | S |
| And where will you be if I live to beat old Thomas Parr | S |
| - | |
| Ah well I know at every age life has a certain charm | T |
| You're going Come permit me please I beg you'll take my arm | T |
| I take your arm Why take your arm I 'd thank you to be told | U |
| I 'm old enough to walk alone but not so very old | U |
Oliver Wendell Holmes
(1)
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