Alexander’s feast

John Dryden

The praise of Bacchus then the sweet musician sung,

Of Bacchus ever fair, and ever young.

The jolly god in triumph comes;

Sound the trumpets, beat the drums;

Flushed with a purple grace

He shows his honest face:

Now give the hautboys breath; he comes, he comes.

Bacchus, ever fair and young,

Drinking joys did first ordain;

Bacchus’ blessings are a treasure,

Drinking is the soldier’s pleasure;

Rich the treasure,

Sweet the pleasure,

Sweet is pleasure after pain.

CHORUS.

Bacchus’ blessings are a treasure,

Drinking is the soldier’s pleasure;

Rich the treasure,

Sweet the pleasure,

Sweet is pleasure after pain.

Fonte (versos 8-11 e 14): Gould, S. J. 1997. Dinossauro no palheiro. SP, Companhia das Letras. O título completo do poema, publicado em livro em 1697, é Alexander’s feast; or, The power of music. O poema completo é uma ode em sete partes; o trecho acima corresponde à terceira parte.