1892 Drinks of the world

DRINKS,

312

To keep the House more Quiet, and from Blame, We Banish hence Cards, Dice and every Game Nor can allow of Wagers, that Exceed Five Shillings, which, oft-times, much Trouble Breed ; Let all that's Lost or Forfeited be spent In such Good Liquor as the House doth Vent, And Customers endeavour to their Powers, For to observe still seasonable Howers. Lastly, Let each Man what he calls for Pay^ And so you're welcome to come every Day." To know of coffee-houses in their prime, v^e must turn to the pages of Addison and Steele, to the Guar- dian, the Spectator, the Tatler, etc., but they are well epitomised in the following poem, which bears date 1667 '- — "NEWS FROM THE COFFEE-HOUSE. " In which is shewn their several sorts of Passions, Containing Newes from all our Neighbour Natiom. "A Poem. "You that delight in Wit dnd Mirth, And long to hear such News,

As comes from all Parts of the Earthy. Dutch, Danes, and Turks, ^ndi Jews, rie send yee to a Rendezvouz,

Where it is smoaking new Go, hear it at a Coffee-house, It cannot but be true. There Battles and Sea- Fights are Fought, And bloudy Plots display'd ; They know more things than 'ere was thought Or ever was betray'd : No Money in the Minting House Is halfe so Bright and New"; And, comming from a Coffee-House ft cannot but be true.