IN FRENCH FIELDS.
307
THE GRAND PINT.
Round the Grand Pint when rough winds moan,
And make the sign-board creak and groan
In frosty weather,
A huge log in the kitchen burns,
And there the stranger's eye discerns
Friends met together.
An old Dutch picture! cheek by jowl
Gosling and turkey, duck and fowl,
The turnspit garnish!
And then perchance the sun darts in,
To gild the pots and pans of tin,
And add the varnish.
Good cheer and noise and merry song
Shorten the hours when hours are long,
The wine flows steady;
And if one ever asks mine host,
Complaisant always at his post,
Is dinner ready?
'Ready?' He cries, and low he bows,
'We're always ready in this house,
Though it be humble;
The best of all things at a word!
And never, never have I heard
A patron grumble.'
