Classic Poem

Ode XXVIII.

When Bibo went down
To the regions below,
Where the waters of Styx
Round Eternity flow,
He awoke with a cry,
That “he would be brought back;
For his soul it was dry,
And he wanted some sack.”

“You were drunk,” replied Charon,
“You were drunk when you died;
And you felt not the pain
That tOdeath is allied.”
“Take me back!” answered Bibo,
“For I mind not the pain;
Take me back! take me back!
Let me die once again!”

Meantime the gray ferryman
Ferried him o'er,
And the crazy old bark
Touched the Stygian shore;
There old Bibo got out,
Quite unable to stand,
And he jostled the ghosts
As they crowded the strand.

“Have a care!” cried out Charon;
“Have a care! 'tis not well:
For remember you 're dead,
And your soul is in hell.”

Moral.

“I'm in hell,” replied Bibo;
“Well I know by the sign
'Twas a hell upon earth
To be wanting of wine.”