BALLAD. (Mankind all get drunk, ay and womankind…)

Mankind all get drunk, ay and womankind too, As by proof I shall presently shew you:— See that upstart, to power who unworthily grew, With good fortune so drunk he don't know you.

Then round with the bowl, the tree's known by its trunk; 'Tis not liquor our natures can vary; And pow'r as completely can make a man drunk As claret, or sack, or canary.

Why reels that poor wretch? Why his eyes does he roll? Why mutter and storm in that fashion? What wine has he drank? How oft emptied the bowl? Not at all sir, the man's in a passion!

Then round with the bowl, the tree's known by its trunk, 'Tis not liquor our natures can vary, And passion as easy can make mortals drunk As claret, or sack, or canary.

See that whimsical creature, now cry, and now laugh, Now rave, and now storm, and now fidget! He's not drunk sir, for all he's so like a great calf, 'Tis jealousy makes him an idiot!

Then round with the bowl, the tree's known by its trunk, 'Tis not liquor our natures can vary, And love as completely can make a man drunk As claret, or sack, or canary.

See those beautiful creatures like angels come on, Form'd us fellows to keep to our tether, Say, 'ent it a pity they all are half gone? Not with wine, but a cap and a feather!

Then round with the bowl, the tree's known by its trunk, 'Tis not liquor our natures can vary, And fashion as easy can make ladies drunk As claret, or sack, or canary.

Thus passion, or power, or whim, or caprice, Poor mortals can make non se ipse; We swill like a spunge, or a mayor at a feast, The men drunk, and the ladies all tipsy!

Then round with the bowl, the trees known by its trunk, 'Tis not liquor our nature can vary, And folly as easy can make mortals drunk As claret, or sack, or canary!