At the Hostelry, Part 3

But you, ye pleasant faces wise
Saluted late, your candid eyes
Methinks ye rub them in surprise:
" What's this? Jan Steen and Lippi? Claude?
Long since they embarked for Far Abroad!
Have met them, you? "
" Indeed. have I!
Ma foi! The immortals never die;
They are not so weak, they are not so craven;
They keep time's sea and skip the haven. —
Well, letting minor memories go:
With other illustrious ones in row
I met them once at that brave tavern
Founded by the first Delmonico,
Forefather of a flourishing line!
'Twas all in off-hand easy way —
Pour passer le temps , as loungers say.
In upper chamber did we sit
The dolts below never dreaming it.
The cloth was drawn — we left alone,
No solemn lackeys looking on.
In wine's meridian, halcyon noon,
Beatitude excludes elation.

Thus for a while. Anon ensues
All round their horizon, ruddying it,
Such Lights Auroral, mirth and wit —
Thy flashes, O Falernian Muse!