"OH NIGHTS AND SUPPERS," ETC.
ATE grant us again such a meeting
Of music, and wisdom, and wit—
Where Mirth may make sure of a
greeting,
And Care of a notice to quit.
With our long and yet fast-flying
nights,
And with six clever dogs for a
quorum—
We still may revive the delights
Of our Noctes conoque deorum.
Long nights, to be long recollected;
Short nights, can I shortly forget,
How punning went mad, and infected
The soberest brains in our set;
How the quips and the cranks running round
Put a stopper to mental decorum;—
How Laughter was monarch, and crown'd
At our Noctes conoque deorum?
Not always in lightness, however,
Our nights and our suppers were spent;—
At times we could cease to be clever,
Could speak with a nobler intent.
And an eloquence fresh from the heart
(Not unworthy the Senate or Forum)
Bore often a prominent part
In our Noctes conoque deorum.
Our circle was rarely completed
Without one musician at least,
So Melody came to be treated
As welcomest fare at the feast.
From the breathings of Italy's lyre
Up to fugues à la mode Germanorum,
We'd plenty to hear and admire
At our Noctes conoque deorum.