John Pierpont

Drinking Song

Drink, friends, drink deep-the moon is high;
Drink, and forget your care-
The sultry summer suns are nigh-
Drink, and your strength repair;
The deer, that from the hunter flies,
The warrior, red with slaughter,
The camel, under burning skies,
Quaff deep the crystal water!

Our father, Sun, the example gives,
Our mother, Earth, also;
He, jocund, drinks above the clouds,
She, blushing, drinks below-
Pledge high, pledge long, the friends you love,
To absent wife and daughter,
Or blooming maid who rules your heart,
Drink deep-but in cold water!