Author: Eugene Field

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    Ovarus mine,
    Plant thou the vine
    Within this kindly soil of Tibur;
    Nor temporal woes,
    Nor spiritual, knows
    The man who's a discreet imbiber.
    For who doth croak
    Of being broke,
    Or who of warfare, after drinking?
    With bowl atween us,
    Of smiling Venus
    And Bacchus shall we sing, I'm thinking.

    Of symptoms fell
    Which brawls impel,
    Historic data give us warning;
    The wretch who fights
    When full, of nights,
    Is bound to have a head next morning.
    I do not scorn
    A friendly horn,
    But noisy toots, I can't abide 'em!
    Your howling bat
    Is stale and flat
    To one who knows, because he's tried 'em!

    The secrets of
    The life I love
    (Companionship with girls and toddy)
    I would not drag
    With drunken brag
    Into the ken of everybody;
    But in the shade
    Let some coy maid
    With smilax wreathe my flagon's nozzle,
    Then all day long,
    With mirth and song,
    Shall I enjoy a quiet sozzle!

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: "Wine, Women, and Song" is a lyrical poem that also incorporates elements of anacreontic verse, a classical style characterized by its celebration of love, wine, and revelry. It is lighthearted, conversational, and playful, reflecting themes of indulgence and hedonism in a tone that borders on the satirical.

Characteristics of the Style:
Lyrical Form:

The poem expresses personal emotions and pleasures, with a strong focus on the joys of drinking, companionship, and carefree living.
Its rhythm and rhyme scheme enhance its musical quality, mimicking the flow of a drinking song.
Anacreontic Verse:

Named after the Greek poet Anacreon, this style traditionally extols wine, love, and the pursuit of earthly pleasures.
The poem’s references to Bacchus (god of wine) and Venus (goddess of love) tie it to classical themes of revelry and romantic indulgence.
Humorous and Satirical Tone:

Field uses humor to mock the excesses and pitfalls of drunkenness while simultaneously celebrating its pleasures.
The playful language and ironic observations add a satirical edge, suggesting a deeper awareness of the consequences of overindulgence.
Themes:
The Joy of Wine and Companionship:

The poem celebrates the sensory and social pleasures of drinking in the company of others, particularly with "smiling Venus" and "coy maids."
Moderation vs. Excess:

While revelry is glorified, the speaker also acknowledges the pitfalls of excessive drinking, such as "brawls" and "head next morning."
Romantic Escapism:

The poem portrays wine and song as a means of escaping life’s woes and responsibilities, creating a temporary haven of joy and freedom.
Hedonism with Subtle Restraint:

The speaker values discretion and intimacy in his indulgence, contrasting it with the boisterous and public nature of drunkenness.
Structure and Form:
The poem consists of four stanzas with a regular ABAB rhyme scheme, creating a rhythmic flow that mirrors the lilting nature of a drinking song. The conversational tone and the use of classical allusions give it a timeless and universal appeal.

Analysis of Key Elements:
Tone and Mood:
The tone is playful and celebratory, with a touch of irony. Field blends humor with a subtle critique of overindulgence.
The mood is lighthearted and jovial, inviting readers to revel in the pleasures of wine and companionship while reflecting on the value of moderation.
Imagery and Symbolism:
Wine:

Wine is central to the poem, symbolizing pleasure, escapism, and the social bond of companionship.
Bacchus and Venus:

These classical figures represent indulgence and love, tying the poem to the traditions of anacreontic verse.
Flagon's Nozzle:

The image of a "coy maid" wreathing the flagon’s nozzle with smilax (a flowering plant) evokes intimacy and beauty, blending romantic and celebratory themes.
Head Next Morning:

A humorous nod to the consequences of overindulgence, grounding the otherwise idealized portrayal of drinking in reality.
Sound Devices:
Alliteration and Assonance: Examples like "friendly horn" and "smiling Venus" enhance the poem’s musicality.
Rhythm and Flow: The poem’s consistent rhythm mirrors the natural cadence of a drinking song, making it easy to read aloud or imagine sung.
Interpretation:
"Wine, Women, and Song" is a playful yet reflective celebration of life’s pleasures. While revelry is central to the poem, Field’s acknowledgment of its consequences adds depth, making it more than just an ode to indulgence. The speaker advocates for a restrained, intimate enjoyment of life’s joys, subtly critiquing the boisterousness of excess.

Context and Universality:
Rooted in the classical traditions of anacreontic verse, the poem transcends its historical setting to speak to universal themes of joy, companionship, and the tension between moderation and indulgence. Field’s humor and classical allusions make it both timeless and relatable.