If our own life is the life of a flower
 (And that's what some sages are thinking),
We should moisten the bud with a health-giving flood
 And 'twill bloom all the sweeter--
 Yes, life's the completer
 For drinking,
 and drinking,
 and drinking.

If it be that our life is a journey
 (As many wise folk are opining),
We should sprinkle the way with the rain while we may;
 Though dusty and dreary,
 'Tis made cool and cheery
 With wining,
 and wining,
 and wining.

If this life that we live be a dreaming
 (As pessimist people are thinking),
To induce pleasant dreams there is nothing, meseems,
 Like this sweet prescription,
 That baffles description--
 This drinking,
 and drinking,
 and drinking.