POETICAL TAVERN SIGNS.
(Vol. viii., p. 242.)
In an old collection of tavern signs of the last century, among many others I find the following. On the sign of the "Arrow," at Knockholt, in Kent,—
"Charles Collins liveth here,
Sells rum, brandy, gin, and beer;
I made this board a little wider,
To let you know I sell good cyder."
On the sign of the "Shoulder of Mutton and Cat," at Hackney, in Middlesex,—
"Pray Puss don't tear,
For the mutton is so dear;
Pray Puss don't claw,
For the mutton yet is raw."
On the sign of the "Gate," at Blean Hill, in Kent,—
"Stop, brave boys, and squench your thirst,
If you won't drink, the horses must."
On the sign of the "Ship in Distress," in Middle Street, Brighton, Sussex,—
"With sorrows I am compass'd round;
Pray lend a hand, my ship's aground."
On the sign of the "Waggon and Horses," in Black Lion Street, Brighthelmstone,—
"Long have I travers'd both far and near,
On purpose to find out good beer,
And at last I found it here."
Ruby.
At a small way-side beer-shop in the parish of Werrington in the county of Devon, a few years since there was the following sign:
"The Lengdon Inn, kept by M. Vuller.
Gentlemen walk in and sit at your aise,
Pay for what you call for, and call for what you plaise;
As tristing of late has been to my sorrow,
Pay me to-day and I'll tristee to-morrow."
J. D.
Launceston.
Not far from Kilpeck, Herefordshire, I have seen a wayside public-house, exhibiting the sign of the "Oak," under which is the following couplet:
"I am an oak, and not a yew,
So drink a cup with good John Pugh."
As "good John Pugh" sold excellent cider, I did not repent complying with the injunction.
W. J. Bernhard Smith.
Temple.
This is at a roadside public-house near Maidenhead, known by the sign of the "Gate." It is thus:
"This gate hangs high,
It hinders none;
Drink hearty, boys,
And travel on."
I remember a sign near Marlborough of the "Red Cow," and the landlord, being also a milkman, had inscribed under the rude drawing of a cow these lines:
"The Red Cow
Gives good milk now."
Newburiensis.