Bacchus's Speech in Praise of Wine

Bacchus one Day gayly striding

On his never sailing Ton;

Sneaking empty Pots deriding,

Thus address'd each toaping Son:

Praise the Joys that never vary,

And adore the liquid Shrine;

All things noble, gay and airy,

Are perform'd by generous Wine.

Ancient Heroes, crown'd with Glory,

Owe their noble Rise to me;

Poets wrote the flaming Story,

Fir'd by my Divinity:

If my Influence is wanting,

Musick's Charms but slowly move;

Beauty too in vain lies panting,

'Till I fill the Swains with Love.

If you crave a lasting Pleasure,

Mortals, this way bend your Eyes;

From my ever-flowing Treasure,

Charming Scenes of Bliss arise.

Here's the soothing balmy Blessing,

Sole Dispeller of your Pain;

Gloomy Souls from Care releasing:

He who drinks not, lives in vain.