Poem by William Harrison Ainsworth

The Old Water-Drinker’s Grave

I.

A stingy curmudgeon lies under the stone, 
	Who ne’er had the heart to get mellow; — 
A base water-drinker! — I’m glad he is gone,
	We’re well rid of the frowsy old fellow.

II.

You see how the nettles environ his grave!
	Weeds only could spring from his body. 
While his heirs spend the money he fasted to save,
	In wine and in women — the noddy!

1. The Game of High Toby
2. One Foot in the Stirrup, or Turpin's First Fling
3. The Modern Greek
4. The Legend of Valdez
5. Hymn to Saint Thecla

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