1. Sing to us of past revels and delights,
And pour the wine, we'll praise it as is right.

2. A vintage it's like nothing ever known,
All that one could desire in draughts is shown.

3. Time has consumed its outward form and dress,
Its essence pure alone did time impress.

4. Grasp it, mere vapor 'twixt your hands will stay,
The eyes see what the hands cannot hold or sway.

5. Then from a cheek like ruby it will smile,
As if all beauty in a palm compile.

6. In cups like stars that circle in the sky,
Their mansions passing as they journey by.

7. They rise o’er us with cupbearers in train,
And when they set, set they within our brain.

8. From far you'd think, seeing them circle round,
A tribe in comfort and repose is found.

9. A fawn the cup bears with her gentle wrist,
Her dimples add to motions soft and brisk.

10. Call me with nectar whenever you insist,
Leaving the heart to happiness unkissed.

11. A life it was, and had it longer stayed,
I would have spurned it and the world obeyed.

12. Turn you the cup, the time for drink is due,
Beat you the drum, it stirs the heart anew.

13. Speak not of days of mirth now turned to rue
When cups went round both left hand and right hand too.