52
From jeweled hands he took the cup, Nor heard the serpent's hiss;Nor saw beneath its ruby glow The deadly adder's hiss.
Like waves that madly, wildly dash, When dykes are overthrown,The barriers of his soul gave way, Each life with wrecks was strewn.
And she who might have reached her hand To succor and to save,Soon wept in hopeless agony Above a drunkard's grave.
And bore through life with bleeding heart Remembrance of that night,When she had urged the tempted man With wine to make his plight.
