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From: urban@trwspp.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: To Anacreon in Heaven (tune of Star-Spangled Banner)
Message-ID: <230@trwspp.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 21-Jan-84 17:23:29 EST
Article-I.D.: trwspp.230
Posted: Sat Jan 21 17:23:29 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jan-84 06:31:08 EST
Sender: news@trwspp.UUCP
Organization: T R W, Redondo Beach, CA
Lines: 30

To Anacreon in Heav'n where he sat in full glee
A few sons of harmony sent a petition
That he their inspirer and patron would be
When this answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian:
Voice, fiddle and flute, no longer be mute
I'll lend ye my name and inspire ye to boot
And besides I'll instruct ye, like me, to entwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

Ye sons of Anacreon, then join hand in hand
Preserve unanimity, friendship and love;
'Tis yours to support what so happily planned
Ye've the sanction of gods and the fiat of Jove.
While thus we agree, our toast let it be
May our blood flourish happy, united and free
And long may the sons of Anacreon entwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' vine.

"It was originally composed in the late 18th century in
London as the theme song of a singing and drinking club
called `The Anacreontick Society.'  The Society took its
name from a minor classical Greek poet, Anacreon, who
celebrated Wine, Women and Song to the fullest extent of
the law (some say beyond it).  He was eventually deified
into a godlet of same."

-- From the "Oak, Ash & Thorn Drink-Along Song Book"
compiled by Dale Hill, Doug Olsen and Tom Wagner ((c)1977
OAT Productions, used without permission, but that's
probably OK for this particular item).