Oh Sweet Were The Hours - Franco Battiato, Ludwig van Beethoven

Oh sweet were the hours, when in mirth’s

frolic throng

I led up the revds 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!

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?

Retourn, 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.

Wine!

Come bring me wine…

I cannot forget you, I would not resign

There’s health in my pulse, and a spdl in my

wine*

And sunshine in autumn, tho' passing too

soon

Is sweeter and dearer than sunshine in June.

Wine!

Come brin* me wine…