Page:Drunken husband, or, The fatal effects of drunkenness.pdf/2

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THE


DRUNKEN HUSBAND.

The Drunkard waſtes his Wealth and Health,
As on his course he goes:
When fell diſeaſe doth on him ſeize
He's poor amidſt his woes.

Oh! fly the bait, then, ere too late,
Ere with intemp'rance caught,
Or it will be your direful fate
To drink a bitter draught.

MRS. Andrews one day aſked the wife of Timothy Sparks whether her hoſband was addicted to drinking when ſhe married him? The woman replied, that he was not; but ſhe imputed his firſt taking to this vice to a man who at that time was living in the neighbourhood, and had been the ruin of many young fellows beſides. This man, whoſe name was Thomas Briggs, was jolly fellow, could play at aļl kinds of games, ſing a good ſong, and drink a furpriſing quantity of liquor without being intoxicated. He had the art of entertaining others ſo highly, that for the ſake of the diverſion he gave them, they were glad to pay his reckoning; and he was continually contriving ſchemes to draw men from their families, and tempt them to drink. Mrs Sparks added, that for a year and a half ſhe lived