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1856

The Monks of old.

Many have told, of the monks of old, What a jovial band they were: And, 'tis most true, that a jollier [strike] merrier crew Could scarce be found elsewhere. For they sang & laughed, & the rich wine quaffed, And lived on the daintiest cheer; For they laughed "Ha-ha!" & they quaffed "Ha-ha And lived on the daintiest cheer.

2 And then they would jest 'or the tale confess'd By many an artless maid: What hopes & fears were breathed in their ears By those who sought their aid, for they sand & laughed, etc.

3 And the Abbot, so meek, with his form so sleek, Was the jolliest of them all: He'd take his place with a smiling face, When refection bell did call, For they sand, &c.

4 Then say what you will, we will drink to them still For a jovial band they were: And, 'tis most true, that a merrier crew xxxxxx [strike] Could scarce be found elsewhere, For they sang & laughed, etc.

Till they shook the olden walls.

Camp at Big Bend Rogue River, O. T. 31 May 1856.