Classic Poem

PETER Telleth a Tale of THE TOPER AND THE FLIES .

A group of Topers at a table sat,
With Punch that much regales the thirsty soul:
Flies soon the party joined, and joined the chat;
Humming and pitching round the mantling Bowl.
At length those Flies got drunk, and, for their sin,
Some hundreds lost their legs, and tumbled in;
And, sprawling 'midst the Gulf profound,
Like Pharaoh and his daring host, were drown'd.

Wanting to drink, one of the Men
Dipp'd from the Bowl the drunken host,
And drank; then, taking care that none were lost,
He put in every mother's son agen.

Up jump'd the Bacchanalian Crew on this,
Taking it very much amiss;
Swearing, and in the attitude to smite.
" Lord!" cried the man, with gravely lifted eyes,
" Though I don't like to swallow Flies,
I did not know but others might."