C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Draw it Mild
By Pierre Jean de Béranger (1780–1857)
Translation of William Young
L
Not harshly to constrain;
And since excess makes pleasure less,
Why, so much more refrain.
Small table—cozy corner—here
We well may be beguiled;
Our worthy host old wine can boast:
Drink, drink—but draw it mild!
Will find my plan the best—
To trim the sail as shifts the gale,
And half-seas over rest.
Enjoyment is an art—disgust
Is bred of joy run wild;
Too deep a drain upsets the brain:
Drink, drink—but draw it mild!
’Tis nonsense to repine;
To give to Hope the fullest scope
Needs but one draught of wine.
And oh! be temperate, to enjoy,
Ye on whom Fate hath smiled;
If deep the bowl, your thirst control:
Drink, drink—but draw it mild!
My lesson dost thou scoff?
Or would’st thou say, light draughts betray
The toper falling off?
Keen taste, eyes keen—whate’er be seen
Of joy in thine, fair child,
Love’s philtre use, but don’t abuse:
Drink, drink—but draw it mild!
From feast to feast of gladness;
And reach old age, if not quite sage,
With method in our madness!
Our health is sound, good wines abound;
Friends, these are riches piled.
To use with thrift the twofold gift:
Drink, drink—but draw it mild!