Classic Poem

To banish care when stocks were sinking,
Six jolly fellows got to drinking,
And wisely laid aside dull thinking.
While misers they with thirst were choking,
These merry souls were drinking, smoking,
Laughing, quaffing, singing, joking,
And bravely drank six flasks apiece,
While worldlings fretted in their grease.
Ever scolding, never holding,
Ever teasing, never ceasing,
Is my sweet, dear, precious spouse;
Ever merry, ever airy,
Ever smiling, care beguiling,
Still am I when I carouse.

Shall I lose the comfort of my life?
Shall I leave my bottle for my wife?
Let her scold, I do not fear it;
I'll get where I shall not hear it,
For I'll drown myself in claret.