Charles Lever

Charles James Lever was an Irish novelist and humorist known for his lively, adventurous works filled with colorful characters. He began his writing career while working as a physician. Lever's most celebrated works include "Harry Lorrequer" and "Charles O'Malley." His energetic storytelling and vivid depiction of military life during the Napoleonic Wars garnered him significant popularity in the 19th century.

August 31, 1806

June 1, 1872

English

Charles Lever

Pope, The

The Pope he leads a happy life,
He fears not married care nor strife.
He drinks the best of Rhenish wine,
I would the Pope's gay lot were mine.

But yet all happy's not his life,
He has no maid, nor blooming wife;
No child has he to raise his hope,
I would not wish to be the Pope.

The Sultan better pleases me,
His is a life of jollity;
He's wives as many as he will,
I would the Sultan's throne then fill.

But even he's a wretched man,
He must obey the Alcoran;
He dare not drink one drop of wine
I would not change his lot for mine.

So here I'll take my lowly stand,
I'll drink my own, my native land;
I'll kiss my maiden fair and fine,
And drink the best of Rhenish wine.

And when my maiden kisses me
I'll think ...

Charles Lever

Widow Malone, The

Did you hear of the Widow Malone
            O hone!
Who lived in the town of Athlone
            Alone?
O, she melted the hearts
Of the swains in them parts;
So lovely the Widow Malone,
            O hone!
So lovely the Widow Malone.
Of lovers she had a full score
            Or more;
And fortunes they all had galore
            In store;
From the minister down
To the clerk of the Crown,
All were courting the Widow Malone
            O hone!
All were courting the Widow Malone.

But so modest was Mrs. Malone,
            'Twas known,
That no one could see her alone,
            O hone!
Let them ogle and sigh,
They could ne'er catch her eye;
So bashful the Widow Malone,
            O hone!
So bashful the Wi...

Charles Lever