The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses

The Reckoning

   It's fine to have a blow-out in a fancy restaurant,
   With terrapin and canvas-back and all the wine you want;
   To enjoy the flowers and music, watch the pretty women pass,
   Smoke a choice cigar, and sip the wealthy water in your glass.
   It's bully in a high-toned joint to eat and drink your fill,
   But it's quite another matter when you
                                           Pay the bill.

   It's great to go out every night on fun or pleasure bent;
   To wear your glad rags always and to never save a cent;
   To drift along regardless, have a good time every trip;
   To hit the high spots sometimes, and to let your chances slip;
   To know you're acting foolish, yet to go on fooling still,
   Till Nature calls a show-down, and you
                                           Pay the bill.

   Time has got a little bill — get wise while yet you may,
   For the debit side's increasing in a most alarming way;
   The things you had no right to do, the things you should have done,
   They're all put down; it's up to you to pay for every one.
   So eat, drink and be merry, have a good time if you will,
   But God help you when the time comes, and you
                                           Foot the bill.