While others barter ease for state

While others barter ease for state, And fondly aim at growing great, Let me (with rosy chaplets crown'd) Stretch'd on the flow'r-enamell'd ground, The grape's nectareous juices quaff, Alternate sing, and love, and laugh. Already see the purple juice Resplendent o'er my cheek diffuse A second youth!—Again, the bowl With warm desires inflames my soul.

Quickly, ah quickly! must I leave The joys which wine and beauty give; Soon must I quit my wonted mirth, And mingle with my parent earth, Where kings, divested of their state, With slaves sustain a common fate.

Let then the present hour be mine, Blest in the joys of love and wine: Come, ye virgin throng, advance, And mingle in the sprightly dance: To the lyre's enchanting sound Nimbly tread the blithesome round; While the genial bowl inspires Soft delight and gay desires.