Among the play men he is useful as a looker on, to make one at the table
when they are thin of customers, or to drink a young one into a proper
state for plucking: in other society he coins compliments for the fair
lady of the mansion, extols his host's taste and good fellowship at
table, tells a smutty story to amuse the _bon vivants_ in their cups, or
recites a nursery rhyme to send the children quietly to bed; and in this
manner Crony manages to come in for a good dinner every day of his
life. Call on him for a song, and he'll give you, what he calls, a free
translation of a Latin ode, by old Walter de Mapes, Archdeacon of Oxford
in the eleventh century, a true _gourmands_ prayer--
1 Mihi est propositum in taberna mon.'
I'll try and hum you Crony's English version of the
CANTILENA.
'I'll in a tavern end my days, midst boon companions merry,
Place at my lips a lusty flask replete with sparkling sherry,
That angels, hov'ring round, may cry, when I lie dead as door-nail,
'Rise, genial deacon, rise, and drink of the well of life eternal.'
*****
~216~~
'Various implements belong to ev'ry occupation;
Give me an haunch of venison--and a fig for inspiration!
Verses and odes without good cheer, I never could indite 'em;
Sure he who meagre, days devised is d-----d ad infinitum!
*****
'Mysteries and prophetic truths, I never could unfold 'em
Without a flagon of good wine and a slice of cold ham;
But when I've drained my liquor out, and eat what's in the dish up,
Though I am but an arch-deacon, I can preach like an arch-
bishop.
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