Song XXXV. to Drink

When Prudence declaims how time passes, Cou'd we tempt Mr. Chronos to stay, While we're bump'ring a round of our lasses, We wou'd wait upon all he cou'd say. But is it worth while Through books to toil, In troubling our heads how to think? Thought ne'er was design'd To puzzle the mind, Let us only mind how we drink.

There was Solomon one of the wise things When past it, began to complain: He affected at last to despise things Because his was labour in vain; But used to say, There's time to play, To labour, to love, and to think; Let those in their prime Remember the time, At present 'tis time we shou'd drink.

A pox on Reflection, be jolly, Dispassionate Cynics despise, Did you once know the raptures of folly, You never wou'd wish to be wise. I scorn the plans Sobriety scans, From bumpers I never will shrink; By the busy in trade Be Cent per Cent. made, 'Tis Cent. per Cent. better to drink.