In a short time all were again assembled; the table was moved forward to the stove. A light odour of cigars filled the room, and the wine, which was played around by the flames in the little coffee-kettle, began to sing. The cloves were now thrown in, the guests each took sugar, and Freisleben filled the glasses. Hoffmann had brought a guitar with him, and accompanied on it the following song:-- Down, down with the sorrows And troubles of earth! For what is our life made But drinking and mirth! Drink, and be glad, sirs, Laugh and be gay; Keep sober to-morrow, But drink to-day! Love's a deceiver,-- He'll cheat if he can; Sweet innocent woman Is wiser than man! Trust her not, trust her not, She will deceive! Who wins her may gather The sea in a sieve! Laying up money Is labour and care; All you have toiled for Is spent by the heir! Knowledge is wearisome, Save when the wise Study whole volumes In beautiful eyes! So, down with the sorrows And troubles of earth! For what was our life made But drinking and mirth! Then drink and be glad, sirs, Laugh and be gay; Keep sober to-morrow, But drink to-day. "Seven Temptations." By Mrs. Howitt. All repeat the last verse, and drink. Freisleben.--Mr. Traveller, that song originates in your Fatherland. She who wrote it shall "live-hoch!" (They touch glasses.) Now, Von Kronen, let us have a German one. Von Kronen sings:-- THE SONG OF WINE. The song of wine is short and fine, And joy and drinking doth combine. Oh! he who cannot sing it yet, Will learn it now we here are met. The song of wine, etc. Ye chat not long your cups among; Wine fires the spirit into song, He who can sing, high be his laud,-- He who sings not can hum accord. Ye chat not long, etc. Wine clears the blood, gives bolder mood, And makes the heart all mild and good. Wine is the death-blow to old Care! A glorious call to do and dare! Wine clears, etc.