Ode for a Social Meeting

Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809–1894)

With Slight Alterations by a Teetotaller

COME! fill a fresh bumper,—for why should we go

While the [nectar vs. logwood] still reddens our cups as they flow?

Pour out the [rich juices vs. decoction] still bright with the sun,

Till o’er the brimmed crystal the [rubies vs. dye-stuff] shall run.

The [purple-globed clusters vs. half-ripened apples] their life-dews have bled;

How sweet is the [breath vs. taste] of the [fragrance they shed vs. sugar of lead]!

For summer’s [last roses vs. rank-poisons] lie hid in the [wines vs. wines!!!]

That were garnered by [maidens who laughed through the vines vs. stable-boys smoking long-nines].

Then a [smile vs. scowl] and a [glass vs. howl], and a [toast vs. scoff], and a [cheer vs. sneer],

For [all the good wine, and we ’ve some of it here vs. strychnine and whiskey, and ratsbane and beer]!

In cellar, in pantry, in attic, in hall,

[Long live the gay servant that laughs for us all vs. Down, down with the tyrant that masters us all]!