William Stevenson

Here you will find thePoemJolly Good Ale and Oldof poet William Stevenson

Jolly Good Ale and Old

Back and side go bare, go bare, Both foot and hand go cold; But, belly, God send thee good ale enough, Whether it be new or old. I cannot eat but little meat, My stomach is not good; But sure I think that I can drink With him that wears a hood. Though I go bare, take ye no care, I am nothing a-cold; I stuff my skin so full within Of jolly good ale and old. Back and side go bare, go bare, Both foot and hand go cold; But, belly, God send thee good ale enough, Whether it be new or old. I love no roast but a nutbrown toast, And a crab laid in the fire; A little bread shall do me stead, Much bread I not desire. No frost nor snow, no wind, I trow, Can hurt me if I would, I am so wrapt, and throughly lapt Of jolly good ale and old. Back and side go bare, go bare, Both foot and hand go cold; But, belly, God send thee good ale enough, Whether it be new or old. And Tib my wife, that as her life Loveth well good ale to seek, Full oft drinks she, till ye may see The tears run down her cheek. Then doth she troll to me the bowl, Even as a maltworm should; And saith,"Sweetheart, I took my part Of this jolly good ale and old." Back and side go bare, go bare, Both foot and hand go cold; But, belly, God send thee good ale enough, Whether it be new or old. Now let them drink, till they nod and wink, Even as good fellows should do; They shall not miss to have the bliss Good ale doth bring men to. And all poor souls that have scoured bowls, Or have them lustily troll'd, God save the lives of them and their wives, Whether they be young or old. Back and side go bare, go bare, Both foot and hand go cold; But, belly, God send thee good ale enough, Whether it be new or old.