Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 42: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Alfred de Rosann. 29 THE POWERS OF WINE. Or wealth and glory monarchs boast— His mistress’ charms the lover sings ;— For me the glass and jovial toast Excel the bliss of swains and kings. The flowing bowl Inspires the soul, While boist’rous laughter round us rings ;— The jest and song Our mirth prolong, And sorrow flies on drooping wings. To welcome in the morning, Around the board we'll stay ; And when the light is dawning, To bed we’ll haste away ! Existence is a changing scene, Of happiness and woe combin’d ; When our meridian sky’s serene, Dark clouds are menacing behind. The ills of fate Our steps await, And lead us on, to danger blind :-— Then learn to quaff The bowl, and laugh When Fortune’s freaks perplex the mind. To welcome in the morning, Around the board we’ll stay ; And when the light is dawning, To bed we'll haste away ! Is life so long that we can spare A day to sighs—a night to tears ?— Reflection but increases care, And conjures up a host of fears. Then wherefore bring A blight on spring, And crush the blossoms of our years? Epernay’s juice Will e’er produce That which no change of season sears. To welcome in the morning, Around the board we’ll stay ; And when the light is dawning, To bed we'll haste away ! The soldier in the battle-plain— The sailor on the boundless deep— The courtier in the monarch’s train— The criminal who fears to sleep— Admit that wine Has charms divine The soul from mournful thoughts to keep ; And haste their woes Or anxious throes In sweet oblivion’s bliss to steep. COMRnIClooo SS (GO) nn