Classic Poem

I.

Give me not empty Cups of Gold,
But one, worth more, fill'd with Rich Wine;
Of more worth, as it more does hold,
More from its Wine than Gold, does shine;

II.

Which makes us not more covetous,
Of its pure Metal, than pure Drink;
But Wine, which makes us generous,
Like it, and ne'er of Gold to think;

III.

Not such Cups, as give us more Cares,
But more Joys, when we Dine, or Sup;
Such as all Jealousies, or Fears,
Take from us, when we take them up;

IV.

Not empty great Gold Cups, which keep
Emptier Owners more awake;
But fuller, which give sooner Sleep,
Our Peace, or Rest, not from us take;

V.

Not that Cup, which shines, or weighs most,
Altho' 'twere made of purest Gold,
Think I best, as it most does Cost,
But rather, as it most does Hold;

VI.

For I can ne'r be Merrier,
For the Gold Cup, but for its Wine;
Since it my Heart much more will cheer,
Me to more Joys, Ease, Rest incline;

VII.

Whilst th' empty Golden Cup, awake
May keep me, t'other makes me sleep;
Which I'd have my Friend from me take,
But to my Self the Rich Wine keep;

VIII.

Whether the Cup be Rich, or no,
It is no matter to the Wise;
If it Rich Wine does overflow,
Silver or Gold, we shall despise;

IX.

Since 'tis not Gold's, or Silver's Store,
Is of Man's Joys, or Ease the Proof;
Who, as he has more, thirsts for more,
Whilst Drunkards own, they have enough.