SONG 16. The union of love and wine

With woman and wine I defy ev'ry care, For life without these is a bubble of air For life without these, &c. Each helping the other, in pleasure I roll. And a new flow of spirits enlivens my soul; Each helping the other, &c.

Let grave sober mortals my maxims condemn, I never shall alter my conduct for them; I care not how much they my measures decline, Let 'em have their own humour and I will have mine.

Wine prudently us'd will our senses improve, 'Tis the spring-tide of life, and the fuel of love: And Venus ne'er look'd with a smile so divine, As when Mars bound his head with a branch from the vine.

Then come, my dear charmer, thou nymph half divine, First pledge me with kisses, next pledge me with wine; Then giving and taking, in mutual return, The torch of our love shall eternally burn.

But should'st thou my passion for wine disapprove, My bumper I'll quit to be blest with thy love: For rather than forfeit the joys of my lass, My bottle I'll break, and demolish my glass.