BRING me a cup of good red wine To drink before I die; Though earthly joys I must resign, I'll breathe no earthly sigh. I've lived a bold and robber life, I've had on earth my way, For with the gun or with the knife, I made mankind obey. My mother's name, my father's race, Though he was false, she true, It matters not -- they sleep in peace. What more can I or you? They sleep in peace, though swords flashed wild Around my infant head, And I was left an orphan child, An outcast's path to tread. Men are but grapes upon the vine; My vine was planted where Nor hand did tend, nor warm sun shine, And mildew filled the air. I was a robber brave and bold. I did not, in the mart, Lie, cheat, and steal with purpose cold. Mine was too frank a heart. All men are robbers, -- all who win, And get more than their due; Though solemn phrases veil the sin, The thief's eye glances through. The world denied me gold and land, And love which all men crave; I took the first with strong right hand, The last I left a slave. And though the tiger's caged at length, -- Who made him such God knows, -- He can but fail who measures strength Against a world of foes. Then bring a cup of rich red wine Before the bell tolls three, For better men than I and mine Have died upon the tree. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THOUGHT OF A BRITON ON THE SUBJUGATION OF SWITZERLAND by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH INSCRIPTIONS: 4 by MARK AKENSIDE PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 3. AR-RAHEEM by EDWIN ARNOLD SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 33. RED DAWN by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE CARPERS (AN ASPECT) by WILLIAM ROSE BENET ECHOES OF SPRING: 4 by MATHILDE BLIND SHADOWS ON THE WALL by ALEXANDER (ALEKSANDR) ALEXANDROVICH BLOK |