There was a sound of revelry by night,
And Belgium's capital had gather'd then
Her Beauty and read more

There was a sound of revelry by night,
And Belgium's capital had gather'd then
Her Beauty and her Chivalry, and bright
The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men.

This night I hold an old accustomed feast,
Whereto I have invited many a guest,
Such as read more

This night I hold an old accustomed feast,
Whereto I have invited many a guest,
Such as I love; and you among the store,
One more, most welcome, makes my number more.

Not fewer than three nor more than nine.
[Lat., Neque pauciores tribus, neque plures novem.]

Not fewer than three nor more than nine.
[Lat., Neque pauciores tribus, neque plures novem.]

On such an occasion as this,
All time and nonsense scorning,
Nothing shall come amiss,
read more

On such an occasion as this,
All time and nonsense scorning,
Nothing shall come amiss,
And we won't go home till morning.

A feast not profuse but elegant; more of salt [refinement] than
of expense.
[Lat., Non ampliter, sed munditer read more

A feast not profuse but elegant; more of salt [refinement] than
of expense.
[Lat., Non ampliter, sed munditer convivium; plus salis quam
sumptus.]

Why should we break up
Our snug and pleasant party?
Time was made for slaves,
read more

Why should we break up
Our snug and pleasant party?
Time was made for slaves,
But never for us so hearty.

Let us have wine and woman, mirth and laughter,
Sermons and soda-water the day after.

Let us have wine and woman, mirth and laughter,
Sermons and soda-water the day after.

The service was of great array,
That they were served with that day.
Thus they ate, and read more

The service was of great array,
That they were served with that day.
Thus they ate, and made them glad,
With such service as they had--
When they had dined, as I you say,
Lordis and ladies yede to play;
Some to tables and some to chess,
With other games more and less.

The music, and the banquet, and the wine--
The garlands, the rose odors, and the flowers,
The read more

The music, and the banquet, and the wine--
The garlands, the rose odors, and the flowers,
The sparkling eyes, and flashing ornaments--
The white arms and the raven hair--the braids,
And bracelets; swan-like bosoms, and the necklace,
An India in itself, yet dazzling not.