Verses Popular and Humorous

The Way of the World

Henry Lawson


WHEN fairer faces turn from me,
    And gayer friends grow cold,
And I have lost through poverty
    The friendship bought with gold;
When I have served the selfish turn
    Of some all-worldly few,
And Folly’s lamps have ceased to burn,
    Then I’ll come back to you.

When my admirers find I’m not
    The rising star they thought,
And praise or blame is all forgot
    My early promise brought;
When brighter rivals lead a host
    Where once I led a few,
And kinder times reward their boast,
    Then I’ll come back to you.

You loved me, not for what I had
    Or what I might have been,
You saw the good, but not the bad,
    Was kind, for that between.
I know that you’ll forgive again—
    That you will judge me true;
I’ll be too tired to explain
    When I come back to you.


Verses Popular and Humorous - Contents


Back    |    Words Home    |     Lawson Home    |    Site Info.    |    Feedback