Look not upon the Wine

Look not upon the wineThat sparkles in its flow,For death is slumb'ring there,Beneath its ruddy glow.No happiness it bringeth,At last it only stingeth;It biteth, and it wringethThe heart with bitter woe.

Behold the giant fiendWho laughs in mockery;He binds the strongest heart,And boasts of victory.No human hand can severHis bands that loosen neverUntil the soul foreverRests in eternity.

Go thou, unveil his form,And bid the erring flee;O lift the demon's mask,And let the tempted see.Implore them to awakenEre happiness be taken,While fetters may be shaken,While yet they may go free.

Lift up the tempted soulNow fallen in despair,Direct his thoughts above,To God, who heareth prayer.His arm in mighty powerCan bid the demon cower,And in temptation's hourWill an escape prepare.