Sailors Drinking the Tunbridge Waters

Thomas Rowlandson British
Publisher Thomas Tegg British

Not on view

A young woman stands by the pump and offers a drink to a sailor who scratches his head. She says: "Be assured it is an excellent beverage for Gentlemen who have been a long time at sea." He answers: "Why lookee Ma-am I dont wish to be unpolite But if your Ladyships Honor pleases—I had rather hang fire—a bit—for d'ye see it gave our Poll, the belly ache—and D—n the Gripes, I never could bear them they twiddled me up decently when I was last in the Meditaranean." An elderly sailor at right tries to drink water and says: "D—d Queer Tipple to be sure!" Another sailor holds his drink and gives a coin to a small boy at right, saying, "Harkee young two-shoes—go and get me a pint of half and half and a Squeeze of Lemon —for D—n me if I could drink it neat if I was never to weigh Anchor Again."

Sailors Drinking the Tunbridge Waters, Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London), Hand-colored etching

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