Page:A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.djvu/341

308 I come, salute and mount; up springs
 * A table laid as if for kings!
 * The glasses glitter!

Where are my friends? The hard, hard frost Has bound the road in distance lost,
 * The cold is bitter.

Let me behold the hazy plains: The curtains part; the crystal panes
 * Show Frost-king's traces,

Lo! Mountains, lakes, and cypress-trees, And bending flowers! but idly, these
 * My hand effaces.

Ah! Life is rude and hard to bear, We bend with weight of years and care,
 * Whence comfort borrow?

At the Grand Pint, all laugh at all, With merriment resounds the hall,
 * Adieu to sorrow!

Adieu one instant; joy and hope Colour in rose the prospect's-scope,
 * Its darkness brightening,

Awake to mirth! The hour commands! It is by blowing on the brands
 * Flames start like lightning.

Farewell Ennui, and welcome Wit! As here with friends well pleased I sit,
 * How swift time passes!

When Friendship, Friendship, is the toast, Brims up the best wine of mine host,
 * We drink full glasses.