Imitation of Part of the 3d Epode of Horace

NOW wintry Blasts deform the Year—the Rain
Descends—fast falls the fleeting Snow;
Bleak thro' the Woods the North-Winds blow,
And Storms and Tempests vex the angry Main.
From these let us a Warning take,
And learn of Life the most to make,
While Youth, Health, Strength, and Jollity remain;
No more let sullen Thoughts o'er cast thy Brow,
But join, my Friend, the social Board,
Let Mirth fly round! Champagne's the Word!
When wrinkled Age appears, we'll sober grow.