The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1891-05-14
The Face on the Fleer.

"What does it want?" another cried.
"Some whisky, rum or gin?
Here, Toby, seek him out ifyour stomach
will stand the work,
1 wouldn't touch him with fork, he's
filthy as Turk"
This badinage the poor wretch took with
stoical good grace
In fact he smiled as if he thought he'd
struck the proper place.
"Come, boys, 1 know there are hardy
hearts among 30 gooo crowd,
To be in such good company would
make deacon proud.
Give me another drink, that's what I
want, I'm out of funds you know.
When / had cash to treat the cause this
hand was never slow.
Why, you smile as though you thought
this pocket had never held SOU.
I once was fixed as we'll, my boys, as
any one Of you.
Give me another drink. Thanks! that
braces me nicely. God bless you one
and all.
Next time I pass this good saloon I'll
make another call.
Give you song. No, I can't do that, my
singing days are past,
My voice is cracked, my throat's worn
out and my lungs are going fast.
Say, give me another whisky and I'll
tell you what I'll do,
I'll tell you funny story and fact, 1
promise, too.
That I was ever decent man not one Of
you would think,
But was some four or five years back.
Say, give me another drink.
Fill 'er up, Joe, want to put some life
into my frame,
Such little drinks to bum like me are
miserably tame.
That right; five fingers and corking good
whisky, too.
Well, boys, here's regards; landlord, my
best respects to you.
You have treated me very kindly and 1
would like to tell you how
came to be the dirty sot you see before
you now.
As I told you once I was man with
much frame and health,
And but for blunder should have made
considerable wealth.
I was painter-oh, not one who daubs
on brick and wood
But an artist, and for my age was rated
pretty good.
worked hard at canvas and was bidding
fair to rise,
For gradually I saw the star of fame
before my eyes.
made picture, perhaps you've seen,
twas called Chase of Fame,
1t brought me 1900 and added to my
name,
And then I met woman, now comes
the fancy part,
With eyes that petrified my soul and
sank into my heart.
You smile as if you thought it strange
that the vagabond you see
Should ever love woman and expect
her love for me.
But twas SO, and for month or two
her smiles were freely given,
And when her loving lips touched mine
it carried me to heaven.
Did you ever meet woman for whom
your soul you'd give
With form like the Milo Venus, too
beautiful to live,
With eyes that would beat the Kohl
moor and wealth of chestnut hair ?
If so, twas she, for there never was
another half so fair.
I was working ON portrait one after.
noon in May
OF fair haired boy, friend of mine,
who lived across the way.
Madelin admired it, and much to my
surprise,
She said she'd like to know the man that
had such dreaming eyes.
Well, it didn't take long to know him,
and before month had flown
My friend had stolen my darling and
was left alone.
Before year of misery had past Low.
ing head
The jewel I had treasured so had tar
nished and was dead.
That's why took to drink, boys. Why,
never saw you smile,
l thought you'd be amused and laugh
ing all the while.
What's the matter, friend? / saw tear
drop in your eye.
Be man like me, tits only babes and
women who should cry.