Classic Poem

BEN J ONSON and Harry B. S MITH Concoct the Annual Drinking Song for the Annual Casino " Comic"-Opera.

I

Oh some may quaff their tankards and laugh
With many a flowery toast.
They will sing of pale or nut-brown ale
Or the draught they love the most.
But I despise such mirth, for I prize
A sweeter and headier wine —
So drink to me only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine.

REFRAIN

When you drink ( Clink-clink )
Then I think ( Clink-clink )
That I might of Jove's nectar sup;
Don't deny ( Hi-hi )
When I sigh ( Fill high! )
Won't you leave — just a kiss — in the cup!

II

Who can control the thirst of the soul —
And, dear, that plight is mine.
A thirst that gnaws from such a cause
Must have a drink divine.
So while my glass is raised, alas,
My heart is offered up.
And there you may sip with your eyes and your lip,
If you'll leave just a kiss in the cup.

REFRAIN

When you drink ( Clink-clink )
Then I think ( Clink-clink )
Et cetera ... ad lib., ad infin...