The Poetry Corner

A Song. If Wine And Music Have The Power

By Matthew Prior

If wine and music have the power To ease the sickness of the soul, Let Phoebis every string explore, And Bacchus fill the sprightly bowl: Let them their friendly aid employ To make my Cloe's absense light, And seek for pleasure to destroy The sorrows of this live-long night. But she to-morrow will return: Venus, be thou to-morrow great; Thy myrtles strow, thy odours burn, And meet thy favourite nymph in state, Kind goddess, to no other powers Let us to-morrow's blessings own, Thy darling Loves shall guide the hours, And all the day be thine alone.