Stones from The Quarry | ||
93
THE GOBLET OF LIFE.
The wine is rich, and stirs itself aright,Lipping its margent with a ruby smile;
Hope's bubbles freely rise, and burst the while;
And Pleasure mantles it to taste and sight.
'Twill set the heart on fire, and fill with light
The airy brain; make friendships, reconcile,
Revive; Care of self-consciousness beguile;
Love's pulses to the “double-quick” excite.
The wine's right generous, up to the brim
The goblet filled; “Health and Long Life” the toa!
But tho' so sweet about the honey'd rim,
A dísguised bitter half belies its boast.
Ay! Death has mixed therein a foretaste dim
And vague, which but with the last dregs is lost!
Stones from The Quarry | ||