Then he began to sing in a deep voice which made the glasses ring—
Shut the door—lock the door— Out of window fling the key. Hasten; bring me more, bring me more: Fill it up. Fill it up for me. The daylight which you think, The daylight which you think, The daylight which you think, 'Tis but the candle's flicker: The morning star will never wink, The morning star will never wink, Till there cometh stint of liquor. For 'tis tipple, tipple, tipple all around the world, my lads, And the sun in drink is nightly lapped and curled, my lads, And to-night let us drink, and to-morrow we'll to sea; For 'tis tipple, tipple, tipple—yes, 'tis tipple, tipple, tipple— Makes the world and us to jee.
'Take me home, Robin,' I said, 'I have seen and heard enough. Alas! we have need of all the prayers that we can utter from the depths of our heart, and more!'
CHAPTER XX.
BENJAMIN'S WARNING.
Since I have so much to tell, before long, of Benjamin's evil conduct, it must in justice be recorded of him that at this juncture he endeavoured, knowing more of the world than we of Somerset, to warn and dissuade his cousins from taking part in any attempt which should be made in the West. And this he did by means of a letter written to his father. I know not how far the letter might have succeeded, but, unfortunately, it arrived two or three days too late—when our boys had already joined the insurgents.
'Honoured Sir,' he wrote, 'I write this epistle, being much concerned in spirit lest my grandfather, whose opinions are well known, not only in his own county, but also at the Court, should be drawn into, or become cognisant of, some attempt to raise the West Country against their lawful King. It will not be news to you that the Earl of Argyle hath landed in Scotland, where he will meet with such a reception which will doubtless cause him to repent of his rashness. It is also currently reported, and everywhere believed, that the Duke of Monmouth intends immediately to embark and cross the sea, with the design of raising the country in rebellion. The Dissenters, who have been going about with sour looks for five-and-twenty years, venture now to smile and look pleased in anticipation of another civil war. This may follow, but its termination, I think, will not be what they expect.