And I’ve said I’ve sworn off from the New Year’s Day—

Quick! give me the bottle! Curse you![1455] don’t refuse,

Or I’ll pull you apart,[1456] if my temper I lose—

Now give me a glass! Come, boys, take a drink![1457]

It’s the last you’ll be taking with me, so I think—

O God! what is this?[1458] See, boys—it’s a snake!

Look! the bottle is full—hear the hissing they make—

They crawl[1459] from its neck. For God’s sake, a drink!

Thanks! Boys, here’s luck![1460]

(Midnight hour strikes.)