Be it songs of endless Spring
Which the frolic Muses sing,
Jest, and Mirth's unruly brood
Dancing to the Phrygian mood;
Be it love, or be it wine,
Myrtle wreath, or ivy twine,
Or a garland made of both;
Whether then Philosophy
That would fill us full of glee
Seeing that our breath we draw
Under an unbending law,
That our years are halting never;
Quickly gone, and gone for ever,
And would teach us thence to brave
The conclusion in the grave;
Whether it be these that give
Strength and spirit so to live,
Or the conquest best be made,
By a sober course and staid,
I would walk in such a way,

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[Variant 13:]

... joyousness. MS.

... joyousness.

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[Variant 14:]

date
From the things by ... MS.

From the things by ...

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[Footnote A:] In the editions of 1807-1832 the title was The Kitten and the Falling Leaves.—Ed.
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