The Antediluvians were all very sober For they had no Wine, and they brew'd no October All wicked, bad Livers, on Mischief still thinking, For there can't be good Living where there is not good Drinking. Derry down So for Safety Derry down So for Safety and Honesty Derry down So for Safety and Honesty Put the Glass round. 'Twas honest old Noah first planted the Vine, And mended his Morals by drinking its Wine; Thenceforth as unwholesome he Water decry'd; For he saw that by drinking it Millions had dy'd. Derry down ... From this Piece of History plainly we find That Water's good neither for Body or Mind; That Virtue and Safety in Wine-bibbing's found While all that drink Water deserve to be drown'd. Derry down ...
notes: footnoted text from the Papers of Benjamin Franklin (volume 3, 1745-50) [National Archives]