I've been enjoying singing Hard Times for about 20 years, usually as a finishing song or if I'm in a noisy room and want people to shut up and listen. I think I got the words from Steve Tunrner's singing and started off with Let us pause, then the Cotton buds, then the Banjo, then while we seek mirth and pleasure.
Then a while ago I acquired the words, I think from Foster's sheet music for the 2 other verses but didn't sing them for a long time as I wasn't too fussed on the Pale drooping maiden or the wail (yes it always reminds me of Whale) and the dirge.
However for the last couple of years I think I've ended up singing all 6 verses as I just think it's a great song - and I have to admit to sometimes repeating the first verse at the end!
Long may the song reign in whatever version people want to sing it!
Hopefully we all use the same tune!!!