ON TEA 



The following short poem by Ed- 

 mund Waller is believed to be the 

 first one written in praise of the 

 " cup that does not inebriate" : 



Venus her myrtle, Phoebus has her 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 show 

 To the fair region where the sun doth rise, 

 Whose rich productions we so justly prize. 

 The Muse's friend, tea does our fancy aid, 

 Repress those vapors which the head invade. 

 And keep the palace of the soul serene, 

 Fit on her birthday to salute the Queen. 



Waller was born in 1605, and died 

 in 1687, aged eighty-two. 



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