A.D. 455

Drink to Death, drink! He's god o' the world. Up with the cup-- Let no man shiver! Up with the cup-- Let no man shrink! Drink to death, He's lord o' the breath Of mortals hurled from the world Into Oblivion's river!

Drink to Death, aye! And then--to the dust! Fill with a will-- And quaff like a lover! Fill with a will-- Who dares a Nay! Drink to Death!... He lies who saith That life is just--'tis a crust Tossed to a slave in his hover!

Drink to Death!--So! Who recks for the rest? Love is above-- Or Hate, what matter? Love is above-- Or Hell below. Drink to Death, For vile is the peth Of Rome, and Shame is her name! Then drink, and the goblet shatter!