Passion’s Hounds

With mighty leaps and bounds,

I followed Passion’s hounds,

My hot blood had its day;

Lust, Gluttony, and Drink,

I chased to Hell’s black brink,

Both night and day.

I ate like three strong men,

I drank enough for ten,

Each hour must have its glass:

Yes, Drink and Gluttony

Have starved more brains, say I,

Than Hunger has.

And now, when I grow old,

And my slow blood is cold,

And feeble is my breath-

I’m followed by those hounds,

Whose mighty leaps and bounds

Hunt me to death.