THE CUP

Ye mock me, wantons, that I come among you

Drunken, bedecked with garlands

Like a white sacrificial bull.

Laugh then!

So Cypris laughing shakes one petal down

From her rose-braided hair,

Honeyed with kisses, to perfume

The glowing purple that brims up this gold.

Laugh then, and mock, but kiss me! For what man

Would come among you sober? Wise, I come

Borne on Silenus’ ass to praise Eros.