With  we the year begin,
The blind, fat landlord of the Old Crown Inn, —
Big as his butt, and, for the self-same use,
To take in stores of strong fermenting juice.
On his huge chair beside the fire he sate,
In revel chief, and umpire in debate;
Each night his string of vulgar tales he told;
When ale was cheap and bachelors were bold:
His heroes all were famous in their days,
Cheats were his boast and drunkards had his praise;
"One, in three draughts, three mugs of ale took down,
" As mugs were then — the champion of the Crown;
"For thrice three days another lived on ale,
" And knew no change but that of mild and stale;
"Two thirsty soakers watch'd a vessel's side,
" When he the tap, with dext'rous hand, applied;
"Nor from their seats departed, till they found
" That butt was out and heard the mournful sound. "