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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO HIMSELF; AN ODE by ANACREON

First Line: WHEN FUMES OF WINE ASCEND INTO MY BRAIN
Last Line: I'M SURE 'TIS BETTER TO BE DRUNK, THAN DEAD.
Subject(s): ALCOHOLISM & ALCOHOLICS; SELF; DRUNKARDS; ALCOHOL ABUSE;

WHEN fumes of Wine ascend into my brain,
Care sleeps, and I the bustling world disdain,
Nor all the wealth of Croesus I esteem,
I sing of mirth, for Jollity's my theme.

With garlands, I my ruby temples crown,
Keeping rebellious thoughts of business down;
In broils, and wars, while others take delight,
I with choice friends indulge my appetite.

Then fetch more bottles, Boy, and charge us round,
We'll fall to Bacchus, victims on the ground;
Nor value what dull moralists have said,
I'm sure 'tis better to be drunk, than dead.



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