Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/The Pledge

The Pledge.

A Song.

i.Come pledge me! see the sparkling glass With ruby foam-bells shine!They bid us snatch them ere they pass: Come pledge me in the wine!

ii.When I behold thy smiling lips To that bright draught incline,Methinks young love his pinions dips With them to meet the wine.

iii.The kind good wish those lips express, Warm from the heart benign,It hath a tenfold power to bless, Breathed o'er the mantling wine.

iv.And hark! with sweet and silvery clink, Thy glass rings clear on mine!Of hearts accordant thus we think, While pledging in the wine.

v.To fish, the streams,—to flowers supply Their dewdrops clear and fine,—Give nectar to the gods on high; My share be rosy wine!

vi.Then quaff life's joys, while sparkling up, They bid thee make them thine,—And let thy red lip kiss the cup To pledge thy love in wine.