1892 Drinks of the world

DRINKS.

261

in sage tea, and infusions of other

scale indulged

home orown herbs. As it increased

in popularity, the poets got hold of

sit, and numerous were the laudatory verses in Latin respecting its virtues. But, as far as I can find, the earliest Enghsh poem about it was by Waller, as binder: ^'OF TEA. Commended by Her Ma|esty.' " Venus her Myrtle, Phoebus has his bays ;

Tea both excels, which she vouchsafes to praise. The best of queens,^ and best of herbs, we owe To that bold nation ^ which the way did shew To the fair region where the Sun does rise, Whose rich productions we so justly prize. The Muses' friend, Tea does our fancy aid, Repress those vapours v/hich the head invade. And keeps that palace of the soul serene, Fit on her birthday to salute the Queen."

As years went on, its popularity became greater, and it is satisfactory to fimd by the following extract from Lord Clarendon's diary, loth Feb., 1688, that the tea imported was good, and that it was treated properly. '* Le Pere Couplet supped with me ; he is a man of very good conversation. After supper we had tea, which he said was as good as any he had sdrank in China. The Chinese, who came over with him and Mr. Fraser, supped likewise with us." With time, the consumption of tea increased, and its price was much lower ; but still, taking the money

^ Catharine of Braganzag wife of Charles IL 3 Portugal