Whether the French , ally'd with Spain ,
Or German Troops the Battle gain;
Whether the Bards , in former Days,
Writ better than our modern Bays ,
What matters it to us, my Friend?
Shall we in vain Enquiries spend
Our Moments , as they ne'er wou'd end?
While rapid Time drives on our Hours,
our Claret in the Country sow'rs ;
When at your Villa shall we dine,
And taste your rich Hungarian Wine?
The russet Autumn now has past,
And Winter , since we saw it last.
Once more the teeming Spring we prove;
Kind Nature calls for Mirth, and Love.
Your Groves no longer bend with Snow;
Your thaw'd Canals , and Fountains flow:
Yet think, when Age the Blood congeals,
No second Spring the Body feels.
Say, sweet Cuzzoni , shall I bring,
With Rival'd Philomel to sing?
Or will you ask the Sisters fair,
And Laura , with her auburn Hair?
But let not Mentor be your Guest;
His Politicks will damp our Feast.
Or German Troops the Battle gain;
Whether the Bards , in former Days,
Writ better than our modern Bays ,
What matters it to us, my Friend?
Shall we in vain Enquiries spend
Our Moments , as they ne'er wou'd end?
While rapid Time drives on our Hours,
our Claret in the Country sow'rs ;
When at your Villa shall we dine,
And taste your rich Hungarian Wine?
The russet Autumn now has past,
And Winter , since we saw it last.
Once more the teeming Spring we prove;
Kind Nature calls for Mirth, and Love.
Your Groves no longer bend with Snow;
Your thaw'd Canals , and Fountains flow:
Yet think, when Age the Blood congeals,
No second Spring the Body feels.
Say, sweet Cuzzoni , shall I bring,
With Rival'd Philomel to sing?
Or will you ask the Sisters fair,
And Laura , with her auburn Hair?
But let not Mentor be your Guest;
His Politicks will damp our Feast.