Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PLEDGE, by ELIZA COOK


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PLEDGE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Full oft we breathe and echo round
Last Line: For him who yields the worthless pledge.
Subject(s): Temperance; Prohibition


Full oft we breathe and echo round
With cheering shout and minstrel sound,
A name that honesty would write
In colours any thing but bright.
But shame be on the hands that hold
The wine-cup at the shrine of gold
Shame on the slavish lips that part
To utter what belies the heart.
Fill high, fill high, while Truth stands by
To echo back the lauding cry;
But gall be on the goblet's edge
For him who yields the worthless pledge.

However rich the stream that's poured
In homage at the banquet board
To coward, fool, or wealthy knave,
Let, let us spurn the tainted wave.
Far sweeter is the foaming ale,
That circles with the fireside tale;
While sacred words and beaming eyes
Proclaim we pledge the souls we prize.
Fill high, fill high, while Truth stands by
To echo back the lauding cry,
But let the glad libation prove
The meed of friendship, worth, and love.

Let warm Affection light the draught,
Then be the nectar deeply quaffed;
Let Genius claim it -- gift divine,
And all shall drain the hallowed wine;
Let Goodness have the honour due;
Drink to the poor man if he's true;
And ne'er forget that star's the best
That's worn not on but in the breast.
Fill high, fill high, while Truth stands by
To echo back the lauding cry;
But gall be on the goblet's edge
For him who yields the worthless pledge.





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