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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE by KAREN SWENSON THE LOST SHEEP by ELIZABETH CECILIA CLEPHANE HOW VIOLETS CAME BLUE by ROBERT HERRICK THE END OF IT by FRANCIS THOMPSON ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 10. TO THE MUSE by MARK AKENSIDE |