Anacreon
Anacreonick Society of London
Established late 18th c.
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 your 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's vine.
This is where Francis Scott Key found the tune for
"The Star-Spangled Banner."