Politeness
When I ask you here for dinner
I entice you to be nice.
Please be merry for the sherry
And pour praise upon the rice.
Say you rather like the olives
And the vine leaves are divine;
Whether gammon’s served, or salmon,
Say it goes well with the wine.
Then when pudding’s at the table,
Pray do bless the Eton mess;
Should I please you with the cheeses,
This you loudly should confess.
As the port goes round the table,
Drain your glass when it has passed;
Have some brandy, when it’s handy,
Warm it well, and make it last.
And as evening draws to midnight,
Dinner tends towards its end,
You beguiling me, I’m smiling:
Think how much I love my friend!