The Southern Journal

POETRY.
I've Thrown the Bowl Away.
I've thrown the bowl aside,
For me no more shall flow
Its ruddy stream or sparkling tide,
How bright soe'er it glow;
I've seen extending wide
Its devastating sway,
Seen reason yield its power to guide--
I've thrown the bowl away!
Oh! tempt me not again
To drain the cup of sin;
For ruin dire, disease and pain,
Taint all that foams within;
Neglected duties rise
In fearful, sad array,
Up to its brim, I will be wise--
I've cast the bowl away!
I've seen the pride of all--
The wise, the good, the great--
Like summer leaves, all timeless fall,
And veil the bright estate:
I've seen a woman give
Her every charm away---
Embrace the demon vile, and live;
I've cast the bowl away!
My days of revelry
Oh, gladly I give up;
They're but the masks of misery,
Which still lurk in the cup:
While indolence and want,
And poverty display
Themselves in every drunkard's haunt;
I've thrown the bowl away!
A drunkard's gloomy grave
Shall ne'er be made for me;
Oh, rather let the rushing wave
Engulph me in the sea!
And may it be my lot
To die 'neath reason's ray!
Remembered by my friends or not,
I've cast the bowl away!
My path henceforth is plain,
In honesty to live;
To shun intemperance and its train,
By industry to thrive;
No duty to forget,
And strive to bless the day
When I was led without regret,
To cast the bowl away!