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1809–1894

ODE FOR A SOCIAL MEETING

Oliver Wendell Holmes

COME! fill a fresh bumper, for why should we go While the nectar ( logwood ) still reddens our cups as they flow? Pour out the rich juices ( decoction ) still bright with the sun, Till o'er the brimmed crystal the rubies ( dye-stuff ) shall run.

The purple-globed clusters ( half-ripened apples ) their life-dews have bled; How sweet is the breath ( taste ) of the fragrance they shed! ( sugar of lead ) For summer's last roses ( rank poisons ) lie hid in the wines ( wines!!! ) That were garnered by maidens who laughed through the vines ( stable-boys smoking long-nines )

Then a smile ( scowl ) and a glass ( howl ) and a toast ( scoff ) and a cheer ( sneer ); For all the good wine, and we‘ ve some of it here! ( strychnine and whiskey, and ratsbane and beer! ) In cellar, in pantry, in attic, in hall,

Long live the gay servant that laughs for us all! ( Down, down with the tyrant that masters us all! )

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ODE FOR A SOCIAL MEETING · Oliver Wendell Holmes · Poetry Cove