A BACCHANALIAN VERSE.
by Robert Herrick


FILL me a mighty bowl
       Up to the brim,
       That I may drink
Unto my Jonson's soul.

Crown it again, again ;
       And thrice repeat
       That happy heat,
To drink to thee, my Ben.

Well I can quaff, I see,
       To th' number five
       Or nine ; but thrive
In frenzy ne'er like thee.



To the number five or nine, see Note.


[Note, p.278:

     655.  To th' number five or nine.  Probably Herrick is
  mistaking the references in  Greek and  Latin  poets to
  the  mixing  of  their  wine  and  water.   (e.g., Hor.  Od.
  iii. 19, 11-17)  for the drinking of  so many cups. ]

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol II.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891.  30-31;  278.


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