The Four Able Physicans You maidens and wives and young widows rejoice Declare your thanksgiving with heart and with voice Since waters were waters, I dare boldly say There ne'er was such cause for a thanksgiving day "From fair London town, there have lately come down, "Four able physicians who never saw gown" "Their physic is pleasant, their dosage is large "And you may be cured without danger or charge" "They have a new drug that is called the close hug Which will mend your complexion, and make you look smug A soverign balsam which, once well applied Though grieved at the heart, the patient ne'er died In the morning you need not be robbed of your rest, For in your warm beds this physic works best And though, in the taking, some stirring's required, The motion's so pleasant, you cannot be tired. "On your back you must lie,with your belly raised high And one of these doctors must always be nigh Who still will be ready to cover you warm For if you take cold, all physic doth harm. On silver or gold they never lay hold For what comes so freely should never be sold; Then join with the doctors and heartily pray Their power of healing will never decay. BD apr00
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!