Classic Poem

MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL BENEVOLENT SOCIETY

We drink to-night to eyes once bright,
While Hope still told her story,
That lost their gleam in the noontide beam,
Like the blue of the morning-glory!

CHORUS

Then drink to-night to eyes once bright,
While Heaven is bending o'er us
To catch the song our lips prolong,
And angels join our chorus.
Let the sparkles pass o'er the brimming glass,
With summer's life-blood glowing,
As the fire-flies shine through the tangled vine
Where the purple grapes are growing.

CHORUS

Though faint the spark that gilds our dark
With love instead of learning,
'Tis the red that shows ere the rose-bud blows,
Now its inmost heart is burning!

CHORUS

If wine can bring, from Mercy's spring,
One drop for Sorrow's daughter,
Why then 'tis clear, we need not fear —
Our wine has changed to water.

CHORUS

Then while we drink, the saints shall wink
That stand as sentries o'er us,
And the angels' eyes shall close likewise,
Till they wake to join our chorus.