The Spaniard stout will have a bout, ’cause he hath store of gold, Till at the last, he is laid fast, my ale doth him so hold: His ponyard strong is laid along, yet he is good company, For my ale was tunn’d when I was young, and a little above my knee.
There’s never a tradesman in England, that can my ale deny, The weaver, taylor and glover delights it for to buy, Small money they do take away, if that they drink with me, For my ale was tunn’d when I was young, and a little above my knee.
There is Smug the honest Blacksmith, he seldom can pass be, Because a spark lies in his throat which makes him very dry: But my old ale tells him his tale, so finely we agree, For my ale was tunn’d when I was young, and a little above my knee.
The brewer, baker and butcher, as well as all the rest, {312} Both night and day will watch where they may find ale of the best: And the gentle craft will come full oft, to drink a cup with me, For my ale was tunn’d when I was young, and a little above my knee.
So to conclude good fellows all, I bid you all adieu, If that you love a cup of ale, take rather old than new, For if you come where I do dwell, and chance to drink with me, My ale was tunn’d when I was young, and a little above my knee.
The following poem in praise of Yorkshire Ale was written in the seventeenth century. The author is given on the title page as “G. M. Gent.” The little volume, somewhat rare nowadays, was printed at York in 1697, by F. White, for Francis Hildyard, at the sign of the Bible in Stone Gate.
THE PRAISE OF YORKSHIRE ALE
Wherein is enumerated several sorts of Drink, and a Description of the Humors of most sorts of Drunkards.
To
Which is added, a Yorkshire Dialogue, in its pure natural Dialect, as it is now commonly spoken in the North parts of Yorkshire.
Bacchus having called a Parliament of late, For to consult about some things of state, Nearly concerning the honour of his Court To the Sun, behind th’ Exchange, they did resort: Where being met, and many things that time Concerning the Adulterating Wine, And other liquors; selling of Ale in Muggs, Silver Tankards, Black-Pots, and little Jugs: Stronge Beer in Rabits, and cheating penny cans, Three pipes for two pence and such like Trepans: Vintners’ small bottles, silver-mouthed black Jacks, {313}
And many other things were there debated, And Bills passed upon the cases stated; And all things ready for Adjournment, then Stood up one of the Northern countrymen, A boon good fellow, and lover of strong Ale, Whose tongue well steep’d in Sack begun this Tale. “My bully Rocks, I’ve been experienced long In most of liquors, which are counted strong; Of Claret, White-wine and Canary Sack, Renish and Malago, I’ve had no lack, Sider, Perry, Metheglin, and Sherbet, Coffee and Mead, with Punch and Chocolet: Rum and Tea, Azora wine, Mederry, Vin-de-Paree, Brag, wine with Rosemary: Stepony, Usquebath, besides all these, Aqua Cœlestis Cinnamon, Heart’s ease; Brave Rosa Solis, and other Liquors fine, Rasberry Wine, Pur-royal, and Shampine, Malmsey and Viper-wine, all these I pass; Frontineack; with excellent Ipocras: