O! shun the bowl!-the draught beware, <br />Whose smile but mocks the lips of men: <br />When foaming high with waters rare- <br />O! never touch the goblet then. <br /> <br /> <br />With friends we love, though sweet to sip <br />The nectar'd juice at close of day, <br />Yet trust ye not the siren lip <br />That wins to cheat, and lures to slay. <br /> <br /> <br />O! shun the bowl, and thou shalt know <br />A deeper spell than swims in wine; <br />Though bright its hours of sunset glow, <br />Their crimson clouds as briefly shine. <br /> <br /> <br />A few short days in madness past, <br />And thou wilt sink unknown to years; <br />Without a hope beyond the blast, <br />Which mourns above thy grave of tears.<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/o-shun-the-bowl/
