Touch not the cup, it is death to thy soul;
 Touch not the cup, touch not the cup;
Many I know who have quaffed from that bowl;
 Touch not the cup, touch it not.
Little they thought that the demon was there,
Blindly they drank and were caught in the snare;
Then of that death-dealing bowl, O, beware,
 Touch not the cup, touch it not.

Touch not the cup, when the wine glistens bright;
 Touch not the cup, touch not the cup;
Though like a ruby it shines in the light;
 Touch not the cup, touch it not.
Pangs of the serpent are hid in the bowl,
Deeply the poison will enter thy soul,
Soon it will plunge thee beyond thy control;
 Touch not the cup, touch it not.

Touch not the cup, young man, in thy pride;
 Touch not the cup, touch not the cup;
Hark to the warnings of thousands who've died;
 Touch not the cup, touch it not.
Go to their lonely and desolate tomb,
Think of their death, of their sorrow, their gloom;
Think that perhaps thou may'st share in their doom,
 Touch not the cup, touch it not.

Touch not the cup, O, drink not a drop,
 Touch not the cup, touch not the cup;
All that thou lovest entreat thee to stop;
 Touch not the cup, touch it not.