London in the Time of the Stuarts

by Walter Besant

To all Mornings-draught Men, who drink bitter Wine,

To create a false Stomach against they’r to Dine;

To all Tavern-kitchen Frequenters and Haunters,

Who go thither to hear Mistress Cooks foolish Banters

To Partake of a Dumpling, or Sop in the Pan;

A Large Rummer Drank up, troop as fast as they can;

To all sober Half-Pint Men, and serious Sippers;

To all old Maudlin Drinkers, and 12 a Clock Bibbers;

To all Drinking Committees, Knots, Clubs, Corporations

Who while others are snoaring, they’r settling the Nations;