I have drunk and I have diced, gold pieces I gave with delight
to harlots with eyes the darkness of the night.
I have done what I wanted, acted out my desires,
I am now at the end of what I began.
Where are my friends that I drank with?
Why am I now all alone?
from The Prodigal Son, Benjamin Britten; libretto: William Plomer
Locus Communis 