From the Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads, Harding B 16(180a).

O GOOD ALE THOU ART MY DARLING

Long time I have been seeking thee,
But now we've met, we'll both agree;
For thou'rt the darling of my heart,
Though thou make'st my clothes look much the worse.

CHORUS: Singing, ale, good ale, thou art my darling.
I will enjoy thee night and morning.

Sometimes thou make'st my friend my foe.
Sometimes thou make'st me pawn my clothes.
But if I get thee to my nose,
I'll turn thee up and down thou goes. CHORUS

Now if my wife should thee despise,
Blame her! I'll give her two black eyes,
For if she loves me as I love thee,
A happier couple there could not be. CHORUS

Now since we've all met in this place,
Assembled after Adam's race,
I would part with all without a tear,
Before I'd part with thee, my dear. CHORUS

In came the landlord, stout and big,
With his cocked had and powdered wig,
And the fat landlady shakes with fat,
Crying, "Now, my lads, who pays for that?" CHORUS

Now to conclude and end my song,
My money's done—I must begone;
But I will go and earn some more,
To fill this empty tub once more. CHORUS