Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
Let Us Be Happy As Long As We Can
By Joseph Stansbury (17501809)A Song
I
The seasons were nothing—December or May—
The heat or the cold never entered his plan;
That all should be happy whenever they can.
He looked upon such things as ordered by fate.
Whether governed by many, or ruled by one man,
His rule was—be happy whenever you can.
With the supple, complying, famed Vicar of Bray.
Through both of their lives the same principle ran:
My boys, we’ll be happy as long as we can.
A leaf from their book should be thought out of season.
When kicked like a foot-ball from Sheba to Dan,
Egad, let’s be happy as long as we can.
Or which side shall triumph, the Congress or King;
Since Fate must o’errule us and carry her plan,
Why, let us be happy as long as we can.
And relish the hour which we cannot prolong.
If evil will come, we’ll adhere to our plan
And baffle misfortune as long as we can.