Thou, oh! Mirth, with laughing eye,
Spread thy empire o'er my soul;
No cares obtrude when thou art by,
To crown the bright nectareous bowl.
Leave the rich to pomp and splendour;
Happiness they cannot render.
Let the miser heap his hoard;
Mirth shall bless the festive board.
Friendship and the smiling muse
Their influence all around diffuse.
Now the flute with mellow sound
Invites thee to the feast;
The lively hautboy echoes round,
We form the sprightly jest.
O'er the mantling generous wine,
Good humour and delight combine:
Genial Pleasure for a while,
Bids her votaries gaily smile.
Pleasure twines the rosy wreath,
And bids inspiring music breathe,
While we lead the circling dance;