Gin Lane

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Gin Lane (c. 1751–1752)
by James Townley

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Verses from William Hogarth's poster Beer Street and Gin Lane—a scene of urban desolation with gin-crazed Londoners, notably a woman who lets her child fall to its death and an emaciated ballad-seller; in the background is the tower of St George's Bloomsbury; the verse appeared below the drawing on the poster.

1660994Gin Lanec. 1751–1752James Townley

Gin, cursed Fiend, with Fury fraught,
   Makes human Race a Prey.
It enters by a deadly Draught
   And steals our Life away.

Virtue and Truth, driv'n to Despair
   Its Rage compells to fly,
But cherishes with hellish Care
   Theft, Murder, Perjury.

Damned Cup! that on the Vitals preys
   That liquid Fire contains,
Which Madness to the heart conveys,
   And rolls it thro' the Veins.

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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