(16th January 1949) br br I thank whatever gods may be br For all the happiness that's mine; br That I am festive, fit and free br To savour women, wit and wine; br That I may game of golf enjoy, br And have a formidable drive: br In short, that I'm a gay old boy br Though I be br Seventy-and-five. br br My daughter thinks. because I'm old br (I'm not a crock, when all is said), br I mustn't let my feet get cold, br And should wear woollen socks in bed; br A worsted night-cap too, forsooth! br To humour her I won't contrive: br A man is in his second youth br When he is br Seventy-and-five. br br At four-score years old age begins, br And not till then, I warn my wife; br At eighty I'll recant my sins, br And live a staid and sober life.