Poem by Thomas Moore

From “The Odes of Anacreon”. Ode 52

A WAY, away, ye men of rules,
What have I do with schools?
They 'd make me learn, they 'd make me think,
But would they make me love and drink?
Teach me this, and let me swim
My soul upon the goblet's brim;
Teach me this, and let me twine
Some fond, responsive heart to mine,
For, age begins to blanch my brow,
I've time for naught but pleasure now.

Fly, and cool my goblet's glow
At yonder fountain's gelid flow;
I'll quaff, my boy, and calmly sink
This soul to slumber as I drink.
Soon, too soon, my Jocund slave,
You 'll deck your master's grassy grave;
And there's an end — for ah, you know
They drink but little wine below!

1. From “The Odes of Anacreon”. Ode 54
2. From “The Odes of Anacreon”. Ode 46
3. From “The Odes of Anacreon”. Ode 56
4. From “Irish Melodies”. 113. Alone in Crowds to Wander On
5. From “Irish Melodies”. 114. I’ve a Secret to Tell Thee

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