Oh sweet were the hours, when in mirth's frolic throng

I led up the revels with dance and with song;

When brisk from the fountain, and bright as the day,

my spirits o'erflow'd, and ran sparkling away!



Return, ye sweet hours! Once again let me see

Your airly light forms of enchantment and glee

Come, give an old friend, while he crowns his gay glass,

A nod as you part and a smile as you pass.



Wine! Come bring me wine to cheer me,

Friend of my heart! Come pledge me high!

Wine! Till the dreams of youth again are near me,

Why must they leave me, tell me, why?



I cannot forget you, I would not resign

There's health in my pulse, and a spell in my wine.

And sunshine in autumn, tho' passing too soon,

Is sweeter and dearer than sunshine in June