But what are the odds as concerning the vest, So long as felicity reigns in the breast? And Young England to wear what it pleases may claim, Let us hope all its tailors are paid for the same. Sing, “Oh! &c.” _Punch_ 1844. ―――― O! THE BROWN BEER OF OLD ENGLAND. When humming brown beer was the Englishman’s taste, Our wives they were merry, our daughters were chaste; Their breath smelt like roses whenever embraced; O! the brown beer of old England, And, O! the Old English brown beer. Ere coffee and tea found their way to the town, Our ancestors by their own fire-sides sat down, Their bread it was white, and their beer it was brown. O! the brown beer &c. Our heroes of old, of whose conquests we boast, Could make a good meal of a pot and a toast; O! did we so now, we should soon rule the roast. O! the brown beer &c. When the great Spanish fleet on our coast did appear, Our sailors, each one, drank a jorum of beer And sent them away with a flea in their ear. O! the brown beer, &c. Our clergymen then took a cup of good beer; Ere they mounted the rostrum, their spirits to cheer; Then preached against vice, _though courtiers were near_. O! the brown beer, &c. Their doctrines were then authentic and bold, Well grounded on scripture and fathers of old But now they preach nothing but what they are told. O! the brown beer, &c. For since the geneva and strong ratafee, We are dwindled to nothing,――but stay――let me see Faith, nothing at all but mere fiddle-de-dee. O! the brown beer, &c. ANONYMOUS. From _The Universal Songster_. Vol. III. ―――― THE FROG AND THE BULL. As once on a time a young frog, pert and vain, Beheld a large ox grazing on the wide plain, He boasted his size he could quickly attain. Oh, the Roast Beef of Old England, And O for Old England’s Roast Beef. Then eagerly stretching his weak little frame; Mamma, who stood by, like a cunning old dame. Cried, “Son, to attempt it you’re surely to blame,” Oh, the Roast Beef, &c. But, deaf to advice, he for glory did thirst, An effort he ventured more strong than the first, Till swelling and straining too hard made him burst. Oh, the Roast Beef, &c.