Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DRINKING SONG (3) by ALCAEUS OF MYTILENE

First Line: DRINK! WHY WAIT FOR LAMPS? THE DAY / HAS NOT ANOTHER INCH TO FALL
Last Line: SET ANOTHER CUP A-GOING!
Subject(s): DRINKS & DRINKING; WINE;
Drink! Why wait for lamps? The day
Has not another inch to fall.
Fetch the biggest beakers -- they
Hang on pegs along the wall.

Bacchus, son of Semele
And of Zeus, discovered wine
Giving it to man to be
Care's oblivious anodyne.

Pour in water two to one,
Fill them full to overflowing;
When the first is drained and done,
Set another cup a-going!



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