When once they shake hands with a tankard of ale.

Laru, &c.

There’s some jolly wives, love drink as their lives,

Dear neighbours but mind the sad thread of my tale;

Their husbands they’ll scorn, as sure’s they were born,

If once they shake hands with a tankard of ale.

Laru, &c.

From wrangling or jangling, and ev’ry such strife,

Or anything else that may happen to fall;

From words come to blows, and sharp bloody nose,