When Jove was resolv'd to create the…

When Jove was resolv'd to create the round earth, He supoenaed the virtues divine; Young Bacchus then sat the gay chairman of mirth, And the toast was wit, women, and wine.

The sentiment tickled the ear of each God; Apollo he wink'd to the Nine; And Venus gave Mars, too, a sly wanton nod, When she drank to wit, women, and wine.

Geat Jove shook his sides, and the cup put around, While Juno, for once, look'd divine: These blessings, says he, shall on earth now abound, And the toast is, wit, women, and wine.

These are joys worthy Gods, which to mortals are giv'n, Says Momus: who will not repine? For what's worth our notice, pray tell me in Heav'n, If men, have wit, women, and wine.

This joke you'll repent, I'll lay fifty to seven; Such attractions no power can decline; Great Jove, by yourself you'll soon keep house in Heav'n, For we will follow wit, women, and wine.

Thou'rt right, says great Jove, let us hence to the Earth, Men and Gods think variety fine; Who would stay in the clouds, when good-nature and mirth Are below, with wit, women, and wine?