A SONG IN PRAISE OF CHALK
(W. Pittis - D'Urfey 1719)

While the Citizens prate
Over Ale of the State,
And talk of Bank-Bills and Exchequer,
Let us, who drink Wine,
Now summon the Nine,
In the Praise of what pays for our Liquor:

Let other Folks sing,
Of a Lord, or a King
Or some Quality Fopling Petition
Till Footman comes down,
With thanks, or a Crown,
And smiles at the Mortal's condition.

We the Lads at the Rose,
A Patron have chose,
Who's as void as the best is of Thinking,
And without Dedication,
Will assist in his Station,
and maintain us in Eating and Drinking.

Boys out with your Chalk,
and let the Glass walk,
'Tis a crying Sin not to be grateful,
While there's Pit(?)of this Coin,
we will all swim in Wine,
and reel home to our Beds with our Pate full.

Tho' Relation or Friend
will not Give us or Lend,
Wherewithal for to down with the Ready,
Yet our good Landlord Bliss,,
Makes acceptance of this,
and this Boys must Cloath ye, and Feed ye

With the White then in hand,
The Red let's command,
And keep drinking and scoring brisk Claret
Till the Bar runs on Wheels,
And Will takes to his Heels,
and sculks home form the Watch, to his Garret.