YE sages who boast you have nothing to learn, Of Bacchus sworn foes, to your duty return, Your wits are not half what you think. Begone, aged fool; go and learn how to drink. Who has learnt to drink well is well taught, And who knows not this lesson knows naught. When a song or a jest should enliven the feast, Your sage sits dumfoundered, nor helps in the least: Wine summons bright thoughts to the brink. Then go, aged dullards, and learn how to drink. Who has learnt to drink well is well taught, And who knows not this lesson knows naught. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TWO LIVES: CONCLUSION. INDIAN SUMMER by WILLIAM ELLERY LEONARD ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY by JOHN MILTON THE PASSOVER IN THE HOLY FAMILY (FOR A DRAWING) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI LINES WRITTEN IN EARLY SPRING by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH: BOOK 2. RUSTIC INTERIOR by JOHN ARMSTRONG |