The Jovial Drinker.
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A Pox on those Fools, who exclaim against Wine,
And fly the dear sweets that the Bottle doth bring;
It heightens the Fancy, the Wit does refine,
And he that was first Drunk was made the first King.
By the help of good Claret old Age becomes Youth,
And sick Men still find this the only Physitian;
Drink largely, you’ll know by experience, the Truth,
That he that drinks most is the best Politician.
To Victory this leads on the brave Cavalier,
And makes all the Terrors of War, but Delight;
This flushes his Courage, and beats off base Fear,
’Twas that taught Cæsar and Pompey to fight.
This supports all our Friends, and knocks down our Foes,
This makes us all Loyal Men from Courtier to Clown;
Like Dutchmen from Brandy, from this our Strength grows
So ’tis Wine, noble Wine, that’s a Friend to the Crown.
The Sexton’s SONG.
Sung by Ben. Johnson, in the Play of Hamlet Prince of Denmark, acting the Grave maker.
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