The Question

SUPPOSE Twelve has struck, wherefore pray all this fuss?
Next time 'twill strike less, what are Hours to us?
Let the Sun rule the day, and the Moon mark the night;
Without Rules, or Schools, sure we know when we're right.

The Inf'rence from hence which I draw, but first drink,
A Bumper's the best preparation to think:
I infer, nay affirm, and with me you must join,
Life's not Life without Love, Love's not Love without Wine.

This Truth I'll maintain, thus maintaining my post,
And give in this bumper a Truth for my toast.—
I'm sure to be pledg'd by each Lass-loving Youth,
Here's a Brusher, my Bucks, to the fam'd naked Truth.

At first we are into this world pull'd and teaz'd;
At our getting, Papa and Mama may be pleas'd;
But as to us Babes, Nature' multiplication,
Begot for diversion, we're born in vexation.

We are Fools in green youth, mankind ripe into Knaves,
Grey hairs turn to Money, or Mistresses Slaves;
To our burial from birth, passive objects of Fear,
Keep the door shut, and don't let that Scrub slip in here.

Let Ill-will abuse us, Hypocrisy bawl,
Vain-zeal the cry join, we join laugh 'gainst them all.
Self-denial may sermonize, Temperance teaze,
We live as we like—let them live as they please.

Our Voyage is Pleasure, Hope hoists up the Sail,
Our Pilot is Instinct, Desire the Gale;
To Beauty we're bound, we've Bacchus on board,
Our Guns by Love loaded, Enjoyment's the Word.