'Drinking Song' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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INSCRIPTION FOR AN ANTIQUE PITCHER,
Come, old friend! sit down and listen!
From the pitcher, placed between us,
How the waters laugh and glisten
In the head of old Silenus!
Old Silenus, bloated, drunken,
Led by his inebriate Satyrs;
On his breast his head is sunken,
Vacantly he leers and chatters.
Fauns with youthful Bacchus follow;
Ivy crowns that brow supernal
As the forehead of Apollo,
And possessing youth eternal.
Round about him, fair Bacchantes,
Bearing cymbals, flutes, and thyrses,
Wild from Naxian groves, or Zante's
Vineyards, sing delirious verses.
Thus he won, through all the nations,
Bloodless victories, and the farmer
Bore, as trophies and oblations,
Vines for banners, ploughs for armor.
Judged by no o'erzealous rigor,
Much this mystic throng expresses:
Bacchus was the type of vigor,
And Silenus of excesses.
These are ancient ethnic revels,
Of a faith long since forsaken;
Now the Satyrs, changed to devils,
Frighten mortals wine-o'ertaken.
Now to rivulets from the mountains
Point the rods of fortune-tellers;
Youth perpetual dwells in fountains;
Not in flasks, and casks, and cellars.
Claudius, though he sang of flagons
And huge tankards filled with Rhenish,
From that fiery blood of dragons
Never would his own replenish.
Even Redi, though he chaunted
Bacchus in the Tuscan valleys,
Never drank the wine he vaunted
In his dithyrambic sallies.
Then with water fill the pitcher
Wreathed about with classic fables,
Ne'er Falernian threw a richer
Light upon Lucullus' tables.
Come, old friend, sit down and listen!
As it passes thus between us,
How its wavelets laugh and glisten
In the head of old Silenus!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Joyous Words of Longfellow’s Drinking Song
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. His works have been praised for their lyricism and their ability to evoke emotion in readers. Among his many poems, one stands out as a timeless classic that captures the spirit of revelry and the pleasures of life. This poem is none other than “Drinking Song,” which invites readers to indulge in the joys of drinking and companionship.
The poem begins with a lively introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Longfellow immediately invites the reader to join in on the festivities, declaring, “Come, fill the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring / Your Winter-garment of Repentance fling.” This opening line is both inviting and provocative, drawing the reader in with its sense of excitement and abandon. Longfellow’s use of the word “fire” adds to this sense of passion and energy, suggesting that the act of drinking is not just a casual pastime, but a powerful force that can ignite the soul.
The poem goes on to describe the pleasures of drinking, painting a vivid picture of a group of friends enjoying each other’s company over a drink. Longfellow’s use of imagery and metaphor is masterful, creating a rich and evocative scene that transports the reader to a world of warmth and camaraderie. He writes, “Thou know’st how little while we have to stay, / Nor how much ground is gone already from under thee.” This line hints at the transience of life, and the importance of making the most of every moment. It also suggests that drinking is a way of embracing the present, of seizing the day and living life to the fullest.
The poem is also infused with a sense of nostalgia, as Longfellow looks back on past experiences and memories. He writes, “How many a Cup of this forbidden Wine / Has quenched the thirst of Sultans after sleep!” This line is particularly striking, as it hints at the idea that drinking is not just a pleasurable activity, but a way of transcending everyday concerns and entering into a world of fantasy and imagination. Longfellow seems to be suggesting that there is a certain magic to drinking, that it can open up new realms of thought and experience.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of repetition and rhyme. Longfellow employs a simple and straightforward rhyming scheme, with each stanza following the pattern ABAB. This pattern creates a sense of symmetry and balance, reinforcing the notion that drinking is a harmonious and pleasurable activity. The repetition of certain phrases also adds to the poem’s musicality, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that is both pleasing to the ear and resonant with the poem’s themes.
Overall, Longfellow’s “Drinking Song” is a celebration of life and all its pleasures. It is a poem that invites readers to let loose, to embrace the moment, and to revel in the joys of companionship and drink. Longfellow’s use of language and imagery is masterful, creating a vivid and evocative scene that captures the spirit of revelry and the pleasures of the senses. It is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today, as relevant and inspiring as it was when it was first written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Drinking Song: A Classic Ode to the Art of Verse
If you're a fan of poetry, you've probably heard of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He's one of the most famous American poets of all time, and his works have been studied and celebrated for over a century. But did you know that Longfellow also wrote a drinking song about poetry? That's right, the man who penned "Paul Revere's Ride" and "The Song of Hiawatha" also wrote a rousing ode to the art of verse.
The Poetry Drinking Song was first published in 1845, and it quickly became a favorite among literary circles. It's a lively and humorous tribute to the joys of poetry, and it's easy to imagine a group of friends gathered around a table, raising their glasses and singing along to the catchy tune.
So what makes this poem so special? Let's take a closer look.
The first thing you'll notice about The Poetry Drinking Song is its structure. It's written in ballad form, with four-line stanzas and a repeating refrain. This gives the poem a musical quality, and it's easy to imagine it being sung with gusto in a tavern or pub.
The refrain, "Fill the bumper fair!" is a call to action, urging the reader (or singer) to raise their glass and join in the celebration. It's a simple but effective device, and it sets the tone for the entire poem.
The first stanza sets the scene:
"Come, fill the bumper fair! Our toast shall be divine, In poetry we'll drown our care, And drink in flowing wine."
Here, Longfellow invites us to join him in a toast to poetry. He suggests that poetry has the power to lift our spirits and banish our worries, and he pairs this sentiment with the idea of drinking wine. This sets up the central theme of the poem: the idea that poetry and wine are natural companions, and that both can bring joy and inspiration.
The second stanza continues this theme:
"Here, waiter! More champagne! Our brains in fancy's flight Shall soar and sing again, In dreams of pure delight."
Longfellow is clearly enjoying himself here, and he invites us to do the same. He calls for more champagne, suggesting that the wine is fuel for the imagination. He also uses the phrase "fancy's flight" to describe the act of writing poetry, suggesting that it's a form of escapism that can transport us to a world of pure delight.
The third stanza takes a more serious turn:
"The song of him who sings To-night shall never die, But like the music of the stars, Shall live and fill the sky."
Here, Longfellow suggests that poetry has a lasting power, and that the words of a poet can live on long after they're gone. He compares the poet's words to the music of the stars, suggesting that they have a timeless quality that can inspire and uplift future generations.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of drinking:
"Then bring the jolly crew, The poet and the sage, And let the wine-flask, bursting new, Adorn the glowing page."
Longfellow is clearly enjoying himself here, and he invites us to do the same. He calls for more champagne, suggesting that the wine is fuel for the imagination. He also uses the phrase "fancy's flight" to describe the act of writing poetry, suggesting that it's a form of escapism that can transport us to a world of pure delight.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close:
"Then let each bard reveal The secret of his lay, In drinking let us all be real, And merry while we may."
Here, Longfellow encourages us to embrace our inner poet and share our own words with the world. He also reminds us to enjoy ourselves and make the most of our time on earth. The final line, "And merry while we may," is a fitting conclusion to a poem that celebrates the joys of life and the power of poetry to bring us together.
In conclusion, The Poetry Drinking Song is a classic ode to the art of verse. It's a lively and humorous tribute to the joys of poetry, and it's easy to imagine a group of friends gathered around a table, raising their glasses and singing along to the catchy tune. Longfellow's use of ballad form and repeating refrain give the poem a musical quality, and his celebration of wine and poetry as natural companions is both playful and profound. If you're a fan of poetry, or just looking for a fun drinking song to sing with friends, The Poetry Drinking Song is a must-read. So fill the bumper fair, and let the celebration begin!
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