Odes Of Anacreon - Ode XLII.

[1]     Yes, be the glorious revel mine,     Where humor sparkles from the wine.     Around me, let the youthful choir     Respond to my enlivening lyre;     And while the red cup foams along,     Mingle in soul as well as song.     Then, while I sit, with flowerets crowned,     To regulate the goblets round.     Let but the nymph, our banquet's pride,     Be seated smiling by my side,     And earth has not a gift or power     That I would envy, in that hour.     Envy!--oh never let its blight     Touch the gay hearts met here tonight.     Far hence be slander's sidelong wounds,     Nor harsh dispute, nor discord's sounds     Disturb a scene, where all should be     Attuned to peace and harmony.         Come, let us hear the harp's gay note     Upon the breeze inspiring float,     While round us, kindling into love,     Young maidens through the light dance move.     Thus blest with mirth, and love, and peace,     Sure such a life should never cease!