TO ANACREON IN HEAVEN

(by Ralph Tomlinson (lyrics) & John Stafford Smith (tune))

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 arriv'd 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 intwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

The news through Olympus immediately flew;
When old Thunder pretended to give himself airs — 
If these mortals are suffer'd their scheme to pursue,
The devil's a goddess will stay above stairs.
	Hark, already they cry,
	In transports of joy,
	A fig for Parnassus, 
	To Rowley's we'll fly; 
And there, my good fellows, we'll learn to intwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

The yellow-haired god, and his nine fusty maids, 
To the hill of old Lud will incontinent flee, 
Idalia will boast of but tenantless shades
And the biforked hill a mere desert will be. 
	My thunder, no fear on't,
	Will soon do its errand,
	And, dam'me I'll swinge 
	The ringleaders I warrant.
I'll trim the young dogs, for thus daring to intwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

Apollo rose up; and said, Pr'ythee ne'er quarrel,
Good king of the gods, with my vot'ries below!
Your thunder is useless—then shewing his laurel,
Cry'd sic evitabile fulmen, you know! 
	Then over each head
	My laurels I'll spread;
	So my sons from your crackers 
	No mischief shall dread,
Whilst snug in their club-room, they'll jovially twine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

Next Momus got up, with his risible phiz, 
And swore with Apollo he'd chearfully join —
The full tide of harmony still shall be his,
But the song, and the catch, and the laugh shall be mine:
	Then Jove, be not jealous
	Of these honest fellows.
	Cry'd Jove, We relent, 
	since the truth you now tell us;
And swear by old Styx, that they long shall intwine 
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

Ye sons of Anacreon, then, join hand in hand;
Preserve unanimity, friendship, and love.
'Tis your's to support what's so happily plan'd;
You've the sanction of gods and the fiat of Jove.
	While thus we agree,
	Our toast let it be.
	May our club flourish happy, 
	United, and free!
And long may the sons of Anacreon intwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.

link for more info