Wisdom

WHILE quaffing the grape’s ruby nectar,

All sportingly, laughingly gay,

We determined—I, Silvya, and Hector—

To drive old dame Wisdom away.

“Oh, my children, take care!” said the beldame;

“Attend to these counsels of mine:

Get not tipsy, for danger is seldom

Remote from the goblet of wine.”

“With thee in his company, no man

Can err,” said our wag, with a wink;

“But come, thou good-natured old woman,

Take a pull at our flagon, and drink!”

She frowned, but her scruples soon twisting,

Consented, and smilingly said:

“So polite—there’s indeed no resisting,

And Wisdom was always well-bred.”

She drank, but continued her teaching:

“Let the wise from indulgence refrain;”

And never gave over her preaching

But to say, “Fill my goblet again.”

And she drank, and she tottered, but still she

Was talking, and shaking her head,

Mutt’ring “Temperance,” “Prudence,” until she

By Folly was carried to bed.