(LES PETITS COUPS) <br /> <br />Let's learn to temper our desires, <br />Not harshly to constrain; <br />And since excess makes pleasure less, <br />Why, so much more refrain. <br />Small table--cozy corner--here <br />We well may be beguiled; <br />Our worthy host old wine can boast: <br />Drink, drink--but draw it mild! <br /> <br />He who would many an evil shun <br />Will find my plan the best-- <br />To trim the sail as shifts the gale, <br />And half-seas over rest. <br />Enjoyment is an art--disgust <br />Is bred of joy run wild; <br />Too deep a drain upsets the brain: <br />Drink, drink--but draw it mild! <br /> <br />Our indigence--let's cheer it up; <br />'Tis nonsense to repine; <br />To give to Hope the fullest scope <br />Needs but one draught of wine. <br />And oh! be temperate, to enjoy, <br />Ye on whom Fate hath smiled; <br />If deep the bowl, your thirst control: <br />Drink, drink--but draw it mild! <br /> <br />What, Phyllis, dost thou fear? at this <br />My lesson dost thou scoff? <br />Or would'st thou say, light draughts betray <br />The toper falling off? <br />Keen taste, eyes keen--whate'er be seen <br />Of joy in thine, fair child, <br />Love's philtre use, but don't abuse: <br />Drink, drink--but draw it mild! <br /> <br />Yes, without hurrying, let us roam <br />From feast to feast of gladness; <br />And reach old age, if not quite sage, <br />With method in our madness! <br />Our health is sound, good wines abound; <br />Friends, these are riches piled. <br />To use with thrift the twofold gift: <br />Drink, drink--but draw it mild!<br /><br />Pierre Jean de Beranger<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/draw-it-mild/
