O Sweet Were the Hours

O sweet were the hours
When in mirth's frolic throng
I led up the revels
With dance and with song;
When brisk from the fountain
And bright as the day
My spirits o'erflow'd
And ran sparkling away!

Wine! Wine! Wine!
Come bring me wine to cheer me
Friend of my heart!
Come pledge me high!
Wine! Till the dreams of youth
Again are near me
Why must they leave me
Tell me, why?

Return, ye sweet hours!
Once again let me see
Your airly light forms
Of enchantment and glee;
Come, give an old friend
While he crowns his gay glass
A nod as you part
And a smile as you pass

I cannot forget you
I would not resign
There's health in my pulse
And a spell in my wine;
And sunshine in Autumn
Tho' passing too soon
Is sweeter and dearer
Than sunshine in June