Wine And Water Poem by Ignacy Krasicki

(An argosy of fables 1921/Polish fables)

A party of pleasure their sandwiches took,
In the shade of a willow, that hung o'er a brook;
A bottle of Wine, that stood ready for drinking,
Thus spoke to the Water (I think, without thinking) : ―

"How much more than you to be envied am I!
The drink of the titled and rich I supply, —
While you (I could never endure it, I'm sure) .
Are stood in by cattle and drunk by the poor."

"I own, " said the Water, with modest reply,
"Your grandness, —I never aspire so high.
I know the rich think me their notice below.
Except just for washing their faces, or so.

If to boasting inclined, I have reason, —for see
Yon group of young swimmers, delighting in me.
To give pleasure and health to them, only is mine;
For who ever bathed in a river of Wine?

Then look at the strength of the lads in this place;
Who, contented with me, have such health in their face;
They work for your master and frugally dine.
And give him the money to pay for his Wine.

They envy him not, nor do I envy you;
The rich are but mortals, — the poor are so too, —
The rich may be happy with Wine and the gout;
But pray let the poor man be happy without."

(Translated from the Polish of Ignace Krasicki.)