The festive board was met, the social…

The festive board was met, the social band Round fam'd Anacreon took their silent stand. My sons (began the sage) be this the rule: No brow austere must dare approach my school, Where Love and Bacchus jointly reign within; Old Care, begone! here sadness is a sin.

Tell me not the joys that wait On him that's learn'd, on him that's great; Wealth and wisdom I despise, Cares surround the rich and wise. The queen that gives soft wishes birth, And Bacchus, god of wine and mirth, Me their friend and fav'rite own; I was born for them alone. Bus'ness, title, pomp, and state, Give 'em to the fools I hate; But let love, let life, be mine, Bring me women, bring me wine; Speed the dancing hours away, Mind not what the grave ones say: Gaily let the minutes fly, In wit and freedom, love and joy: So shall love, shall life, be mine; Bring me women, bring me wine.