Classic Poem

The Cardinal's Hat is a very good inn,
And so is the Puritan's Head;
But I know a sign of a wine, a wine
That is better when all is said.
It is whiter than Venus, redder than Mars,
It was old when the world begun;
For all good inns are moons or stars,
But the Mermaid is their Sun.

Chorus. They are all alight like moons in the night,
But the Mermaid is their Sun.

Therefore when priest or parson cries.
That inns like flowers increase,
I say that mine inn is a church likewise,
And I say to them " Be at peace! "
An host may gather in dark St. Paul's
To salve their souls from sin;
But the light may be where " two or three "
Drink wine in the Mermaid Inn .

Chorus. The Light may be where " two or three "
Drink wine in the Mermaid Inn .