William Browne (c. 1590–c. 1645)

NOW that the Spring hath filled our veins

With kind and active fire,

And made green liv’ries for the plains,

And every grove a choir:

Sing we a song of merry glee,

And Bacchus fill the bowl:

1. Then here’s to thee; 2. And thou to me

And every thirsty soul.

Nor Care, nor Sorrow e’er paid debt,

Nor never shall do mine;

I have no cradle going yet,

Not I, by this good wine.

No wife at home to send for me

No hogs are in my ground,

No suit in law to pay a fee,

—Then round, old Jockey, round!

All

Shear sheep that have them, cry we still,

But see that no man ’scape

To drink of the sherry,

That makes us so merry,

And plump as the lusty grape.