Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DRINKER'S COMMANDMENTS, by WALLACE RICE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DRINKER'S COMMANDMENTS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: These ten commandments you'll observe
Last Line: In these brief maxims speaks again.
Alternate Author Name(s): Groot, Cecil De
Subject(s): Drinks & Drinking; Wine


These ten commandments you'll observe.
If drink you'd master, and not serve.

I

First, study where to draw the line:
If eight will answer, why take nine?

II

Of your day's being learn the state:
Sometimes three go as far as eight.

III

Dilute your liquor always; or
Your stomach has to go to war.

IV

Sit down and take your time; for know
The only pleasure 's drinking so.

V

Talk, jest, and laugh: in this way pass
The merry fumes of many a glass.

VI

Eat frequently; with spells of food
Three times the drink can be withstood.

VII

When your head reels, then stop at once,
Or else you'll be both sick and dunce.

VIII

Stay up till calm; you'll feel next day
Much better than the other way,

IX

Avoid hold-overs: there's a road
May bring your back too heavy a load.

X

And, if with drinking you must brawl,
For love of Man, don't drink at all!

Experience, bought with years and pain,
In these brief maxims speaks again.





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