BRING me a cup of good red wine To drink before I die; Though earthly joys I must resign, I'll breathe no earthly sigh. I've lived a bold and robber life, I've had on earth my way, For with the gun or with the knife, I made mankind obey. My mother's name, my father's race, Though he was false, she true, It matters not -- they sleep in peace. What more can I or you? They sleep in peace, though swords flashed wild Around my infant head, And I was left an orphan child, An outcast's path to tread. Men are but grapes upon the vine; My vine was planted where Nor hand did tend, nor warm sun shine, And mildew filled the air. I was a robber brave and bold. I did not, in the mart, Lie, cheat, and steal with purpose cold. Mine was too frank a heart. All men are robbers, -- all who win, And get more than their due; Though solemn phrases veil the sin, The thief's eye glances through. The world denied me gold and land, And love which all men crave; I took the first with strong right hand, The last I left a slave. And though the tiger's caged at length, -- Who made him such God knows, -- He can but fail who measures strength Against a world of foes. Then bring a cup of rich red wine Before the bell tolls three, For better men than I and mine Have died upon the tree. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PARIS IN SPRING by SARA TEASDALE THE BALLAD OF BOUILLABAISSE by WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET by SAMUEL WOODWORTH EHEU, FUGACES! by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS COMMUNION by DOROTHY P. ALBAUGH |