Health and Temperance by Margaret Eytinge

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 6, 1888

Health and Temperance.

By Margaret Eytinge

THE SLAVE OF A BOTTLE.

I know a young fellow, broad-shouldered and tall, With a beautiful smile and a classical face. His hands and his feet are exquisitely small, And he moves and he speaks with a dignified grace. Of his birth and degree He is proud, one can see, And yet the poor slave of a bottle is he.

"I'd be ruled by no woman," he often declares, There never was fair who was prudent and wise; And he who yields meekly to petticoat prayers Or petticoat scoldings I truly despise. No she-tyranny, I thank you, for me." And yet the poor slave of a bottle is he,

Advice he will never accept from a friend; "It may be all true," he'll admit, "what you say; But let those without brains upon others depend, I happen to have some, I'll go my own way, Unfettered and free, In blessed liberty." And yet the poor slave of the bottle is he.

And when called by his master he quickly obeys, And soon loses dignity, beauty, and grace; The charming smile turns to an idiot gaze, And the mask of a clown hides the classical face. Ah! the worst slavery That ever could be Is his, for the slave of a bottle is he. —Margaret Eytinge.