34 Wine, Beere, 



Beere. I am content. 

 Ale. And I. 



Water. Then without further circumlocution or insinuation, Water 

 runnes to the matter: you shall no more contend for exceUencie, for 

 Water shall allow each of you a singularitie. First, you Wine, shall 

 be in most request among Courtiers, Gallants, Gentlemen, PoeticaU 

 wits, Qui melioris luti homines, being of a refined mould, shall choose as 

 a more nimble and actiue watering, to make their braines fruitfull, 

 fecundi calices quem non? but so as not confin'd to them, nor limitting 

 them to you, more then to exhilarate their spirits, and acuate their 

 inuentions. 381 



You Beere, shall bee in most grace with the Citizens, as being a 

 more stayed Liquor, fit for them that purpose retirement and grauitie, 

 that with the Snaile carries the cares of a house and family with them, 

 tyed to the atendance of an iUiberaU profession, that neither trot nor 

 amble, but haue a sure pace of their owne. Bos lassus fortius figit pedem, 

 The black Oxe has trod vpon their foot: yet I bound you not with the 

 Citie, though it bee the common entertainement, you may bee in 

 credit with Gentlemens Cellars, and carry reputation before you from 

 March to Christmas-tide I should say; that Water should forget his 

 Tide. 391 



You Ale I remit to the Countrie as more fit to line where you were 

 bred: your credit shall not be inferiour, for people of aU sorts shall 

 desire youre acquaintance, specially in the morning, though you may 

 be allowed aU the day after: the Parson shall account you one of his 

 best Parishioners, & the Church wardens shaU pay for yoiu: companie, 

 and drawing their Bills all the yeere long, you shall bee loued and 

 maintained at the Parish charge till you be old, bee allowed a Robin- 

 hood, or Mother Red-cap, to hang at your doore, to beckon in Custom- 

 ers: and if you come into the Citie, you may be drunke with pleasure, 

 but neuer come into the fashion. At aU times you shall haue respect, 

 but ith Winter Morning without comparison. How doe you like my 

 censure now? 403 



Ale. Water has a deepe iudgement. 



Wat. And yet the world sayes sometimes Water is shallow: nay, 

 He see you shake handes, and tie a new knot of friendship. 

 Ale. We are henceforth brothers. 



