Oh Sweet Were The Hours

Oh, sweet were the hours when in mirth's frolic throng
I led up the revels with dance and with song
When brisk from the fountain, and bright as the day
My spirits overflowed, and ran sparkling away

Return, ye sweet hours, once again let me see
Your early light forms of enchantment and glee
Come, give an old friend while he crowns his gay glass
A nod as you part and a smile as you pass

Wine, wine, wine
Come bring me wine to cheer me
Friend of my heart
Come pledge me high
Wine, 'til the dreams of youth again are near me
Why must they leave me, tell me, why?

I cannot forget you, I would not resign
There's health in my pulse, and a spell in my wine
And sunshine in autumn, though passing too soon
Is sweeter and dearer than sunshine in June