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Ballad on Ale |
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Can any taste this drink divine, And then compare rum, brandy, wine, Or ought with nappy ale ?
Inspired by thee the warrior fights, The lover wooes, the poet writes,
And pens the pleasing tale ; And still in Britain's isle confest, Nought animates the patriot's breast ,
Like generous, nappy ale.
High church and Low oft raise a strife, And oft endanger limb and life.
Each studious to prevail; Yet Whig and Tory, opposite In all things else, do both unite
In praise of nappy ale.
Inspired by thee, shall Crispin sing, Or talk of freedom, church and king,
And balance Europe's scale ; While his rich landlord lays out schemes Of wealth in golden South Sea dreams,
Th' effects of nappy ale !
O blest potation ! still by thee And thy companion Liberty,
Do health and mirth prevail; Then let us crown the can, the glass, And sportive bid the minutes pass
In quaffing nappy ale.
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