To Charles Dickens

By Thomas Hood (1799–1845)

On his departure for America, Jan. 4, 1842.

PSHAW! away with leaf and berry,

And the sober-sided cup!

Bring a goblet and bright sherry,

And a bumper fill me up!

Though a pledge I had to shiver,

And the longest ever was!

Ere his vessel leaves our river,

I would drink a health to Boz!

Here’s success to all his antics,

Since it pleases him to roam,

And to paddle o’er Atlantics,

After such a sale at home!

May he shun all rocks whatever,

And each shallow sand that lurks,

And his passage be as clever

As the best among his works!