By fate's benevolent award, br Should I survive the day, br I'll drink a bumper with my lord br Upon the last of May. br br That I may reach that happy time br The kindly gods I pray, br For are not ducks and pease in prime br Upon the last of May? br br At thirty boards, 'twixt now and then, br My knife and fork shall play; br But better wine and better men br I shall not meet in May.