Page:The Poetical Works of Thomas Parnell (1833).djvu/152

24 Jocus took Comus' rosy crown,
 * And gaily wore the prize,

And thrice in mirth he push'd him down,
 * As thrice he strove to rise.

Then Cupid sought the myrtle grove,
 * Where Venus did recline;

And Venus close embracing Love,
 * They join'd to rail at wine.

And Comus loudly cursing wit,
 * Roll'd off to some retreat,

Where boon companions gravely sit
 * In fat unwieldy state.

Bacchus and Jocus, still behind,
 * For one fresh glass prepare;

They kiss, and are exceeding kind,
 * And vow to be sincere.

But part in time, whoever hear
 * This our instructive song;

For though such friendships may be dear,
 * They can't continue long.