The English Spy, page 189 by Bernard Blackmantle
<< Return to Title Details & Download190
which places he has his stated number of dinner friends, where his presence is as regularly looked for as the appearance of the swallow. 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 tabernâ 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.'"
"A good orthodox ode," said Transit, "and admirably suited to the performer, who, after all, it must be allowed, is a very entertaining fellow, and well worthy of his dinner, from the additional amusement he affords. I remember mee