I

When Manlius was consul, when you and I were young,
?This ancient wine was born of precious juices;
Of Caecuban and Massic grapes, of various and classic grapes,
?'Twas made for happy days and noble uses.
CHORUS

So wine, wine, wine till the planets reel and fall;
Yellow wine and mellow wine or any wine at all.
The happy earth has put her mirth and courage in the vine;
And Love and Laughter follow after wine.
II

So highly do we prize it that no man dare despise it,
?Though cynical he may be or Socratic.
They say that even Cato old declared it ne'er too late to hold
?A cup of wine to make the heart ecstatic.
CHORUS

So wine, wine, wine , etc.
III

For wine's divine emulsion creates a sweet compulsion,
?It lifts the weak above complaint or pity;
It makes him raise his horn again and Hope and Strength are born again—
?It turns the witty wise, the wise man witty!
CHORUS

So wine, wine, wine , etc.
IV

It rids the soul of languor, of sorrow, fear and anger;
?While Bacchus joins the feast to make it splendid.
And Venus and the Graces hear our songs and take their places here,
?With night-long lamps until the revel's ended.
CHORUS

So wine, wine, wine till the planets reel and fall;
Yellow wine and mellow wine or any wine at all.
The happy earth has put her mirth and courage in the wine;
And Love and Laughter follow after wine!