The Loving Cup. On A Coming Of Age At Merriewold

Within the silver bowl behold
The golden vintage of all friendly cheer,
Fresh from the wine-press of our Merriewold,
And not a drop therein but sparkles clear
With fairest wish your fortune to unfold.
Thus brimming o'er lift up the Cup,
And pledge one draught unto the winds of Fate,
As here at manhood's open door you stand
With love and faith on either hand,
While out beyond life's storms and battles wait.
For you the East was wedded to the West,
And lived in love before an altar fire.
The soul of Nippon from your sire
Has filled you with an eager flame:
Columbia's spirit in your mother's breast
Has fed you fondly from the founts of truth,
And round your cradle all the good gods came
To nurture and fulfill your youth.
On, then, with headlong courage of the boy
Lit by the steady purpose of the man.
Before you lie the world's wide fields to scan
The path of hope to trip along in joy,
The road of toil to trudge with tireless feet,
The gates of disillusion to be passed,
The barriers where foes rise up to meet,
The combats where defeat awaits at last:
But onward still up beetling rocky heights,
Thro weary days and sleepless nights,
Facing at length the rising sun,
Success achieved and triumph won.
So, as you quaff again our wine of love,
And leave the cup, and gird you with the sword,
And forth unto the battle gladly move,
Chrysmed as with blessings here outpoured,
Remember, ere your blade you draw,
The brow of Justice and the lips of Law,
Well may Ambition lure along the bold,
Holding achievements forth to clasp,
With issues and contendings manifold.
May this brave spirit in your heart be blent
With roadside breathings of content,
When for a spell the sword aside is laid,
And Fortune flings reward within your grasp,
And lilts awhile the lay of your desire
Just as in waving woods of Merriewold,
Where pine and maple spread a boon of shade,
Tho all their crests unto the sky aspire.
And know that love is throbbing at life's core
For evermore.