Ludwig van Beethoven — O Sweet Were the Hours

O sweet were the hours When in mirth's frolic throng I led up the revels With dance and with song; When brisk from the fountain And bright as the day My spirits o'erflow'd And ran sparkling away! Wine! Wine! Wine! Come bring me wine to cheer me Friend of my heart! Come pledge me high! Wine! Till the dreams of youth Again are near me Why must they leave me Tell me, why? Return, ye sweet hours! Once again let me see Your airly light forms Of enchantment and glee; Come, give an old friend While he crowns his gay glass A nod as you part And a smile as you pass I cannot forget you I would not resign There's health in my pulse And a spell in my wine; And sunshine in Autumn Tho' passing too soon Is sweeter and dearer Than sunshine in June