ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE (England, 1874 - 1958)

WINE BIBBER

I would rather drink than eat,

And though I superbly sup,

Food, I feel, can never beat

Delectation of the cup.

Wine it is that crowns the feast;

Fish and fowl and fancy meat

Are of my delight the least:

I would rather drink than eat.

Though no Puritan I be,

And have doubts of Kingdom Come,

With those fellows I agree

Who deplore the Demon Rum.

Gin and brandy I decline,

And I shy at whisky neat;

But give me rare vintage wine,

Gad! I'd rather drink than eat.

Food surfeit is of the beast;

Wine is from the gods a gift.

All from prostitute to priest

Can attest to its uplift.

Green and garnet glows the vine;

Grapes grow plump in happy heat;

Gold and ruby winks the wine...

Come! Let's rather drink than eat.