A TOAST AT THE CRITERION BAR
based on "A Study in Scarlet" (1887)
by John McDonnell

When someone tapped me from behind, Amidst those strangers I would find Young Stamford, who in past had been A dresser under me at Bart's. I hailed him as some long lost friend, And he agreed to lunch with me. Within the din of cabs and carts He heard my tale of tragedy. "Poor devil!" Stamford said at last, As we arrived for our repast. "What are you up to now?" he mused. "In search of rooms at decent price." "Why, you're the second man who's used "That phrase today!" "Who was the first?" "A bloke who's found a place that's nice "But needs the rate 'tween two dispersed." "Well, I'm the man for that, you see!" A strange expression looked at me Above the wineglass Stamford held. "You might not care for him." "But why? "Is there some mark against him? Tell!" "I don't say that. He has his ways, "But seems a decent sort of guy, "Unless his beating corpses strays." Long years have come and gone since then, But now I have returned again To where young Stamford's heart beamed out To warm mine up for a better part To play in life than idling about. Although young Stamford's not so young, Let's raise our drinks to toast his heart! And "auld aquaintance" then be sung!