| |
| LIFE’S all getting and giving, | |
| I’ve only myself to give. | |
| What shall I do for a living? | |
| I’ve only one life to live. | |
| End it? I’ll not find another. | 5 |
| Spend it? But how shall I best? | |
| Sure the wise plan is to live like a man | |
| And Luck may look after the rest! | |
| Largesse! Largesse, Fortune! | |
| Give or hold at your will. | 10 |
| If I’ve no care for Fortune | |
| Fortune must follow me still. | |
| |
| Bad Luck, she is never a lady | |
| But the commonest wench on the street, | |
| Shuffling, shabby and shady, | 15 |
| Shameless to pass or meet. | |
| Walk with her once—it’s a weakness! | |
| Talk to her twice—it’s a crime! | |
| Thrust her away when she gives you “good day” | |
| And the besom won’t board you next time. | 20 |
| Largesse! Largesse, Fortune! | |
| What is Your Ladyship’s mood? | |
| If I’ve no care for Fortune, | |
| My Fortune is bound to be good! | |
| |
| Good Luck she is never a lady | 25 |
| But the cursedest quean alive! | |
| Tricksey, wincing and jady, | |
| Kittle to lead or drive. | |
| Greet her—she’s hailing a stranger! | |
| Meet her—she’s busking to leave. | 30 |
| Let her alone for a shrew to the bone, | |
| And the hussy comes plucking your sleeve! | |
| Largesse! Largesse, Fortune! | |
| I’ll neither follow nor flee. | |
| If I don’t run after Fortune | 35 |
| Fortune must run after me! | |
| |
