I've thrown the bowl aside

I've thrown the bowl aside

I've thrown the bowl aside.

For me no more shall flow

Its rudder stream or sparkling tide,

How bright so o'er it glow;

I've seen extending wide

Its devastating away,

Seen reason yield its power to guide -

I've cast the bowl away!

O, ne'er tempt me again

To drain the cup of sin;

For ruin dire, disease and pain,

Taint all that foams within;

Neglected duties rise

In fearful, sad array,

Up to its brim. I will be wise -

I've cast the bowl away!

I've seen the pride of all -

The wise, the good, the great -

Like summer leaves, all timeless fall,

And veil their high estate;

I've seen fair woman give

Her every charm away -

Embrace the demon vile, and live!

I've cast the bowl away!

My days of revelry

O, gladly I give up;

They're but the masks of misery,

Which still lurk in the cup;

While Indolence and want

And Poverty display

Themselves in every drunkard's haunt -

I've cast the bowl away!

A drunkard's gloomy grave

Shall ne'er be made for me;

O, rather let the rushing wave

Engulph me in the sea!

And may it be my lot

To die 'neath reason's ray!

Remembered by my friends or not,

I've cast the bowl away!

My path henceforth is plain,

In honesty to live -

To shun Intemperance and its train,

By Industry to thrive;

No duty to forget,

And live to bless the day

When I was led without regret,

To cast the bowl away!

Charles F. Ames

2:24, p. 96

1838.08.04