The Writings of Benjamin Franklin: Philadelphia, 1726 - 1757
Volume I
BOSTON &
LONDON
1722-1726
Volume II
PHILADELPHIA
1726-1757
Volume III
LONDON
1757-1775
Volume IV
PARIS
1776-1785
Volume V
PHILADELPHIA
1785-1790
 

The Antediluvians Were All Very Sober

The Antediluvians were all very sober
For they had no Wine, and they brew'd no October;
All wicked, bad Livers, on Mischief still thinking,
For there can't be good Living where there is not good Drinking.
Derry down

'Twas honest old Noah first planted the Vine,
And mended his Morals by drinking its Wine;
He justly the drinking of Water decry'd;
For he knew that all Mankind, by drinking it, dy'd.
Derry down.

From this Piece of History plainly we find
That Water's good neither for Body or Mind;
That Virtue and Safety in Wine-bibbing's found
While all that drink Water deserve to be drown'd.
Derry down

So For Safety and Honesty put the Glass round.

 
The History Carper