Glimpses of Antiquity Being a collection of metrical sketches, in the form of ballads, lyrics, &c., with main reference to mediaeval times or classical subjects. By George F. Preston [i.e. J. B. L. Warren] |
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“NUNC EST BIBENDUM.” |
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 | Glimpses of Antiquity |  |
47
“NUNC EST BIBENDUM.”
Comrades! let us crown our cups with roses!
Brothers! fill we draughts of costly wine!
Night star-glorious comes, now day reposes,
Lulled to rest beyond the Western brine.
Brothers! fill we draughts of costly wine!
Night star-glorious comes, now day reposes,
Lulled to rest beyond the Western brine.
Liquid rubies in the crystal beaker
Noble alchemies of virtue rare,
Where the wine-god gives to every seeker
Freedom from the stings of pain and care.
Noble alchemies of virtue rare,
Where the wine-god gives to every seeker
Freedom from the stings of pain and care.
Wavering rubies, like the sun at even,
Back reflected through some oriel pane,
Rays whose gold and carmine pass from heaven,
Fade as years that ne'er shall come again.
Back reflected through some oriel pane,
Rays whose gold and carmine pass from heaven,
Fade as years that ne'er shall come again.
Years are ambushed on our fairest treasures,
Watchful months an ivoried forehead blight:
Life is short—and so, to livelier measures
Drain the wine-cup e'er we pass to Night!
Watchful months an ivoried forehead blight:
Life is short—and so, to livelier measures
Drain the wine-cup e'er we pass to Night!
| Glimpses of Antiquity | |