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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
DRINKING SONG, by NICOLAS BOILEAU-DESPREAUX Poet's Biography
First Line: Ye sages who boast you have nothing to learn
Last Line: And who knows not this lesson knows naught.
Alternate Author Name(s): Boileau, Nicolas
First Line: Ye sages who boast you have nothing to learn
Last Line: And who knows not this lesson knows naught.
Alternate Author Name(s): Boileau, Nicolas
YE sages who boast you have nothing to learn,
Of Bacchus sworn foes, to your duty return,
Your wits are not half what you think.
Begone, aged fool; go and learn how to drink.
Who has learnt to drink well is well taught,
And who knows not this lesson knows naught.
When a song or a jest should enliven the feast,
Your sage sits dumfoundered, nor helps in the least:
Wine summons bright thoughts to the brink.
Then go, aged dullards, and learn how to drink.
Who has learnt to drink well is well taught,
And who knows not this lesson knows naught.
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