LET every one who to mirth is inclin'd, Come draw near, I pray, and listen a while; It is witty and pretty, diverting and new, Although it is merry, 'tis certainly true.

In the city of London, there lately did dwell, A topping wine merchant, that's known very well, He had but one daughter, a beauty most bright, Who was all his comfort, his joy and delight.

A handsome young vintner liv'd very near, That dealt with this merchant for hundreds a year And being invited to supper one night, He happen'd to see this beauty so bright.

Instead of his stomach he feasted his eyes On the charms of her beauty which did him sur- But that very night fortune prov'd so kind,(prize That he to the lady discover'd his mind.

Young cupid so cunningly a&ted his part, That with the same passion he wounded her heart, So that when he began to discover his mind, He found that to love she was quickly inclin'd.

Said she, sir, your stock you know is but low, Some hundreds of pounds to my father you owe, And I am a lady of noble estate, How do you presume to talk at this rate?

Dear madam, said he, had I thousands a year, I'd part with it all for the sake of my dear, Then let not true love be dispised for gold, For riches can't buy it, 'tis not to be sold.

She granted him love, and to him she reply'd, My dear, I would have you be well satisfy'd; 'Tis fitting my father consents we should wed, Not a farthing of portion else is to be had.

If you will be true, my dear jewel, he said, A politic fancy I have in my head, And when you do hear it, I fear not, says he, But unto the proje&t you will quickly agree.

You see in a vault where your father's wine stands There are some empty casks on the left hand; The cooper's my friend, I can trust him said he, I'll give him ten guineas in gold for his fee.

He shall head you up in a hogshead this night, Your father will think it is good Lisbon white, And I'll come and buy the same as it stands, And pay him the money down at his demands.

She liked the proje&t and both were agreed, The cooper was sent for, he came with all speed, He took the young lady without more delay, And into the hogshead he put her straitway.

He headed it up all secure and nice, Then strait came the vintner up in a trice, And seeing the merchant, said sir at this time, I am in great want of a hogshead of wine.

Then to the wine-cellar they both did repair, To taste of the liquors, but when they came there He knowing the hogshead did make this reply, Sir, this for my money, if any, I'll buy.

When I was here last, if the truth I may tell, I tasted the liquor, and liked it well, For the same they agreed, the money was paid, He turned him round to the merchant and said:

Sir, all in the hogshead I've bought, it is mine, But only the staves and the hoops they are thine. Yes, yes, said the merchant, and I am content, Then straitway to taste of the liquor they went.

He then took a piercer, and pierced the same, But never a drop from the hogshead there came; The vintner said what a bargain is this, For never a drop in the hogshead there is.

Nay, nay, said the merchant, the bargain is good, For you bought the hogshead just as it stood, Let what will be in it, either beer, ale, or wine, You've bought it, paid for it, so it shall be thine;

They open'd the hogshead, the lady came forth, The old man he star'd and rap'd out an oath, If this be your bargain, e'en take her, said he, Sure never poor old man was bubbl'd like me.

It is but a folly to fly in a rage, I find that youth is too cunning for age; You bought her, I sold her, so love her, said he, Three thousand pounds portion I'll freely give thee

The vintner he loves her as dear as his life, And as 'tis reported, she proves a good wife; He follows his calling of drawing good bub, By this you may see there is Love in a Tub;