Though from a jar unseen the waiting bowl Be crowned with gallant liquor to the brim, A lurch may spill, a crack may drain the whole Red joy and set the pavement flags a-swim. And if the goblet be of Grecian birth Embossed with shapes heroic or divine, Prize it no less nor more than painted earth Privileged a while to hold Olympian wine. Beware, O Ganymede, the banquet law That pardons neither stumble, jolt nor slip; Guard well the goblet against every flaw The while you bear it to the parching lip Firmly, unlagging, not a step too fast -- Nor heed the less that it must break at last! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BATTLE OF BRITAIN by CECIL DAY LEWIS EVENTIDE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE PASSING OF THE EX-SLAVE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON GOOD FRIDAY HYMN by GEORGE SANTAYANA DINOSAUR NATIONAL by KAREN SWENSON |