Rather arid delight 1
If Contentment accrue
Make an abstemious Ecstasy
Not so good as joy－
But Rapture's Expense 5
Must not be incurred
With a tomorrow knocking
And the Rent unpaid－
If Contentment accrue
Make an abstemious Ecstasy
Not so good as joy－
But Rapture's Expense 5
Must not be incurred
With a tomorrow knocking
And the Rent unpaid－
(F.1718/J.1679)
[1] arid delight:: pleasure of alcohol from Emily's view.
[2] Contentment accrue:: over-drinking.
[3] abstemious Ecstasy:: as the Puritans in Dickinson's days.
[4] joy:: the joy of God.
[5] Rapture:: a strong fit caused by alcohol.
[6] be incurred:: to bring upon oneself for one's own action.
[7] a tomorrow knocking:: a hangover.
[8] the Rent unpaid:: as a poor drunkard.