Fragment CIV: Now that in mid-career, checking his course

Now that in mid-career, checking his course,
The bright sun pauses in his pride and force,—
Let us prepare to dine, and eat and drink
The best of everything that heart can think ;
And let the shapely Spartan damsel fair
Bring, with a rounded arm and graceful air,
Water to wash, and garlands for our hair.
In spite of all the systems and the rules
Invented and observ’d by sickly fools—
Let us be brave, and resolutely drink,
Not minding if the dog-star rise or sink.