University of Virginia Library


161

“WHEN THE WINE-CUP AT THE LIP”

When the wine-cup at the lip
Slants its ruby fire,
O'er its level, while you sip,
Have you marked the finger-tip
Of the god Desire slip,
Of the god Desire?
Saying—“Lo, the hours run!
Live your day before 't is done!”
When the empty goblet lies
At the ended revel,
In the glass, the wine-stain dyes,
Have you marked the hollow eyes
Of a mocking Devil rise,
Of a mocking Devil?
Saying—“Lo, the pleasure's done!
Look on me whose hour's begun!”