The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #76406   Message #1355536
Posted By: pavane
13-Dec-04 - 09:24 AM
Thread Name: Tradition or just a bit old?
Subject: RE: Tradition or just a bit old?
No, Guest, it was much earlier than that. About 1680, I believe.

The Good Fellow's Resolution; Or, The Bad Husband's return from his Folly

By T[homas] Lanfiere.

I have been a bad Husband this full fifteen year,
And have spent many pounds in good ale and strong beer:
I have Ranted in Ale-houses day after day,
And wasted my time and my Money away:
But now I'le beware, and have a great care,
Lest at the last Poverty falls to my share:
For now I will lay up my Money in store,
And I never will play the bad Husband ne more.

Printed before the end of 1682

See this thread for a fuller discussion:
Origins of the Wild rover