Song LXIII. Beauty and Wine

One day at her Toilet as Venus began To prepare for he face-making duty, Bacchus stood at her elbow, and swore that her plan Wou'd not help it, but hinder her Beauty.

A Bottle young Semele held up to view, And begg'd she'd observe his directions— This Burgundy, dear Cytharea, will do, 'Tis a Rouge that refines all Complexions.

Too polite to refuse him, the Bumper she sips, On his knees, the Buck begg'd she'd encore; The Joy-giving Goddess, with Wine-moisten'd lips, Declar'd she wou'd Hob Nob once more.

Out of window each Wash, Paste, and Powder, she hurl'd, And the God of the Grape vow'd to join; Shook hands, sign'd and seal'd, then bid Fame tell the World, The Union of Beauty and Wine.