FRANKLIN P. ADAMS

Adds to the Gayety of Libations by Adapting the Eleventh Ode of the Fourth Book of " Horace — 1916 Model. "

" Est mihi nonum superantis annum. . . "

See, Phyllis, I've a jar of Alban wine,
Made of the choicest grapes that one can gather.
Vintage? Well, yes — its years are more than nine.
Inviting?. . . . . Rather.

And that's not all our well-known festive cheer —
There's ivy in the yard, and heaps of parsley.
Come, twine some in your hair — and say, old dear,
Don't do it sparsely.

The flat's all ready for the sacrifice;
In every corner handy to display it,
There's silver... Yes, the house looks extra nice,
If I do say it.

The very flame is trembling, and the smoke
Goes whirling upward with an eager rustling;
The household's overrun with busy folk.
Just see them hustling!

What's that? You want to know the cause of this?
Why, it's the birthday of friend P. Maecenas;
And doubly dear because the season is
Sacred to Venus.

Some holiday? Some holiday is right!
And — well, my Latin heart and soul are in it.
Therefore I hope you'll be on hand tonight —
Eh?. ... Just a minute.

Telephus? Pah. He isn't worth a thought —
If Telly dares neglect you, dear, why — let him!
He's nothing but a giddy good-for-nought.
Come and forget him.

Come, and permit your grief to be assuaged;
Forsake this flirt on whom you have your heart set.
Besides, Dame Rumor hath it he's engaged —
" One of our smart set. "

From vain desires and too ambitious dreams
The doom of Phaeton's enough to scare you...
This is — ahem — my favorite of themes —
But, dear, I spare you.

Come then, so that the evening may not lack
Your voice that makes each heart a willing rover;
And, as we sing, black Care will grow less black —
Oh, come on over.