A Health to the King--my king!
But not in the ruby wine,
Too pale for the name I sing;
Too weak for such love as mine!
How shall I pledge thee, my king?
What nectar shall fill the bowl?
Hope herself can not bring
A wine--like that in my soul!
Then take for a pledge, my king!
A life--it is wholly thine;
And quaff from the cup, O king!
A soul--not the ruby wine!
Happy the gentleman who is crowned king with the garland of song and
consecrated with the wine of life and of love.
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