A health to dear woman! she bids us untwine <br />From the cup it encircles the fast-clinging vine: <br />But her cheek in its crystal with pleasure will glow, <br />And mirror its bloom in the bright wave below. <br /> <br /> <br />A health to dear woman! the days are no more <br />When she watched for her lord till the revel was o'er, <br />And smoothed the white pillow, and blushed when he came, <br />As she pressed her cold lips on his forehead of flame. <br /> <br /> <br />Alas for the loved one! too spotless and fair, <br />The joys of his banquet to chasten and share; <br />Her eye lost its light that his goblet might shine, <br />And the rose of her cheek was dissolved in his wine. <br /> <br /> <br />Joy smiles in the fountain, health flows in the rills, <br />As their ribands of silver unwind from the hills; <br />They breathe not the mist of the bacchanal's dream, <br />But the lilies of innocence float on the stream. <br /> <br /> <br />Then a health and a welcome to woman once more! <br />She brings us a passport that laughs at our door; <br />It is written on crimson-its letters are pearls- <br />It is countersigned <br />Nature <br />-so, room for the Girls!<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-health-to-dear-woman/
