The Stirrup Cup

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Come, drink a stirrup cup with me,
  Before we close our rouse.
  You 're all aglow with wine, I know:
  The master of the house,
  Unmindful of our revelry,
  Has drowned the carking devil care,
  And slumbers in his chair.

  Come, drink a cup before we start;
  We 've far to ride to-night.
  And Death may take the race we make,
  And check our gallant flight:
  But even he must play his part,
  And tho' the look he wears be grim,
  We 'll drink a toast to him!

  For Death,--a swift old chap is he,
  And swift the steed He rides.
  He needs no chart o'er main or mart,
  For no direction bides.
  So, come, a final, cup with me,
  And let the soldiers' chorus swell,--
  To hell with care, to hell!

© Paul Laurence Dunbar