The poetical works of Samuel Woodworth :: :: University of Virginia Library

THY RUBY LIPS MUST KISS THE BRIM.

Thy ruby lips must kiss the brim
Before I drain the cup,
Its lustre else will be too dim
To light my spirits up.
Nay, taste, my love—its purple hue
Will brighter paint thy lip;
Thine eye will gain new lustre too,
Thy soul new ardor—sip!

If rosy wine have power to cheer
The regents of the sky,
It sure will chase away the tear
That dims an angel's eye.

Then taste, my love—its purple hue
Will brighter dye thy lip;
Thine eye will gain new lustre too,
Thy soul new ardor—sip!

This idea smacks of Paganism; but I dare not avail myself of higher authority in a convivial song, or I would refer to him who said, that “wine cheereth God and man.”