292 



MY LIFE 



[Chap. 



the town." "Slope," "sloping," were at that time slang 

 words for escaping or running away, " understanded by the 

 people," which perhaps they may not be now. I may add 

 here that he did not like the name Herbert (his first name), 

 and so took to his second — Edward. 



The friends of temperance often complain of the want of 

 a good song. I think the following, written by my brother 

 about 1848, may perhaps be considered suitable till a better 

 one is written : — 



"The Cup of Tea. 



" Some love to sip their Burgundy, 



And some prefer Champagne ; 

 Some like the wines of sunny France, 



And some the grape of Spain. 

 There's some will take their brandy neat. 



While others mix with water ; 

 There's some drink only Indian ale, 



And others London porter. 

 Away with poisons such as these. 



No Alcohol for me ! 

 Oh, fill me up the sober cup. 



The social cup of Tea. 



II. 



" Some love to sing of ancient times, 



And drinking customs preach ; 

 Such customs are — as Shakespeare saith — 



More honoured in the breach ; 

 For we can sing a joyous song 



Without the aid of wine. 

 And court the muse without a glass 



To spur the lagging rhyme. 

 Then take the pledge, be one of us, 



And join our melody — 

 ' Oh, fill me up the sober cup. 



The social cup of Tea.' 



III. 



" We pray for that long-wished-for hour 

 When Bacchus shall be slain, 

 John Barleycorn be trodden down 

 And ne'er rise up again ; 



