1ST and 2ND SINGERS together, each with a glass in his hand.
Phyllis, deign to fill my glass;
Give the draught an added charm.
Which is fairer, wine or lass,
Love for both my heart doth arm?—
In this hour supernal,
Let us swear, while we can,
For wine, woman, and man,
A friendship eternal.
Ruby-red, the blushing wine,
Paints thy lips with brighter shade,
While its colours softer shine
Where thy glances fall, fair maid!—
While our youth is vernal,
Let us swear, while we can,
For wine, woman, and man,
A friendship eternal.
Drinking Song.
Fill your glass, fill your glass, my friends,
Let us drink, though time fly;
We must live while we live, my friends,
For time passes by.
When we cross the waves of the river,
Wine and love say farewell
We must leave them behind for ever,
So value them well.
What though fools spend their time in thinking
Of the true aim of life!
Our philosophy lies in drinking,
Not in wordy strife.
And glory, wisdom, and wealth,
Do not ease life of ill,
But we find our pleasure and health
As the wine-cup we fill.
DORI. I never heard anything better sung, and all this is really beautiful.
MR. JOUR. I see something still more beautiful here, Madam.