Hold hard friend and give thy attention to this oft rendered tale,

In truth I share it with thee for tis one ignored at thy peril,

As we sit here happily ensconced twixt warm hearth and cold ale,

Let I warn thee of the dangerous temptings cast by the the devil.

 

First look at the ale that be there in thy hand,

And recall the times it crept upon thee til recollection had died yet,

And who knows friend, what ill nefarious demands,

The dark one placed upon thee that thee woke with such regret?

 

Then cast thy beer swilled eye upon the playful maidens,

Be not coy friend, it's not as if I ain't seen thee doin' it already,

I can see the blood rising in thy cheeks as thine eyes follow the fall and rise of their breasts,

Think not on the fact thee have a loving wife at home both true and steady.

 

Then look upon thy neighbour at the table next,

See how the coin doth flow from his pockets as if to never end?

Thou art a, "Good man,"  and the fact that he hath more should leave thee vexed,

Perhaps when he be sat in a drunk stupor thou couldst relieve him of it friend?

 

So let me get thee another ale and come join I at the fire,

It's warm here and thee need not concern thyself about my name,

Think of me as, an old friend, and the gatekeeper to all it is that thee desire,

And have another ale and come join I in the flames.