We, three men of commerce, br Striving wealth to raise, br See but little promise br In the coming days; br Though our hearts are brittle, br Hardened near to stone, br We can think a little br Of the seasons flown. br br Lily days and rose days: br Youthful days so bright; br We were fools in those days, br Let’s be fools to-night. br br We, three men of commerce, br Men of business we, br Gave but little promise br Of what we would be br When we wandered urchins— br Foes of law and rule— br Fearing only birchings br And the village school. br br Lily days and rose days, br Boyhood’s days so bright; br We were fools in those days, br Let’s be fools to-night. br br We, three men of commerce, br Men of business we, br Gave but little promise br Of ability br When we lived in riot; br Never drew the line, br Hating peace and quiet, br Loving maids and wine. br br Days when money goes—days br When men’s hearts are right; br We were fools in those days, br Let’s be fools to-night. br br We must wear to-morrow br All our worldly marks, br Calm looks for our sorrow, br Stern looks for our clerks, br Who, from trouble shrinking, br Tasting earthly joys, br Hate us, little thinking br Ever we were boys. br br Days when kindness flows—days br When men’s hearts are white; br We’ve been wise since those days, br Let’s be fools to-night.