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’Tis far better in tumbler to shelter one’s nose,
Where ’tis safer than in a war-helmet from blows.
Better leader than trumpet or banner is sign
Of the ivy and yew bush that show where there’s wine.
It is better by fireside to drink muscadel
Than to go on a rampart to mount sentinel.
I would rather the tavern attend without fail
Than I’d follow my captain the breach to assail.
All excesses, however, I hate and disclaim,