Page:Poems Cook.djvu/204

Breathe a name above the cup,
 And leave no drop remaining;
When Truth and Feeling fill it up,
 'Tis always worth the draining.

Though few and short the flashes are
 That break on Care's dull story;
Yet, like the midnight shooting star,
 Those moments pass in glory.

Then once again, once again,
 We'll tap the humming barrel:
"Goodwill and peace" shall never cease
 To be a wise man's carol.

All, all we love!—a health to those!
 A bumper—who won't fill it?
A health to brave and open foes,
 A bumper!—who would spill it!

And here's to him who guards our right
 Upon the distant billow!
And him who sleeps in watch-fire light
 Upon his knapsack pillow!

If changing fate has frown'd of late,
 And of some joys bereft us,
Still, let us "gang a gleesome gait,"
 And prize the blessings left us.

Wisdom's helmet strapp'd too tight
 Wearies in the bearing;
And Folly's bells on Christmas night
 Are always pleasant wearing.

Then once again, once again,
 Let holly crown each portal;
And echo round the welcome sound—
 "Goodwill and peace to mortal!"

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