One Glass More

Stay, mortal, stay! nor heedless thouThy sure destruction seal,Within that cup there lurks a curseWhich all who drink shall feel.

Disease and death, for ever nigh,Stand ready at the door,And eager wait to hear the cryOf—"Give me one glass more."

Go, view the prisoners' gloomy cells,Their sin and misery scan;Gaze! gaze! upon those earthly hells,In drink their woes began.

Of yonder children, bathed in tears,Ask, why is mother poor?They'll whisper in thy startled ears—'Twas father's "one glass more."

Stay, mortal, stay? repent, return!Reflect upon thy fate;The poisonous draught for ever spurn,Spurn, spurn it—ere too late.

Oh, fly the horrid ale-house then,Nor linger at the door,Lest thou perchance shouldst sip againThe treacherous "one glass more."

Trust not to thy deceitful heart,The Saviour's grace implore!Through him from every sin departAnd touch that glass no more.