And ask not why the hour has brought it thee,

And wherefore ask no more!

XXXVII

Arise! and fill a golden goblet up

Until the wine of pleasure overflow,

Before into thy skull’s pale empty cup

A grimmer Cup-bearer the dust shall throw.

Yea, to the Vale of Silence we must come;

Yet shall the flagon laugh and Heaven’s dome

Thrill with an answering echo ere we go!