Like Coffee for Ale

Ah, St Patrick's Day. That one day in the year when you can put aside any commemoration of how one man of God challenged and changed the history of an island and, instead, put on a green, sparkly cowboy hat and get drunk. (I'm such a cynic.)


I've lived an alcohol free life now for over 15 years. I consider it my personal holy vow that I made with God. And here I am now, living in the home of the "black stuff" - Guinness, but growing in my appreciation for the other black stuff - coffee. However, if I was to take a drink it would most probably be ale with it's variations in tastes and styles to take you on a never ending journey of discovery. So I smiled when I came across this ancient poem that combines one man's religion with his love of ale.

I Should Like to Have a Great Ale-Feast

I should like to have a great ale-feast for the King of Kings; I should like the Heavenly Host to be drinking it for all eternity.

I should like to have the fruits of Faith, of pure devotion; I should like to have the seats of Repentance in my house.

I should like to have the men of Heaven in my own dwelling; I should like the tubs of Long-Suffering to be at their service.

I should like to have the vessels of Charity to dispense; I should like to have the pitchers of Mercy for their company.

I should like there to be Hospitality for their sake; I should like Jesus to be here always.

I should like to have the Three Marys of glorious renown; I should like to have the Heavenly Host from every side.

I should like to be rent-payer to the Lord; he to whom He gives a good blessing has done well in suffering distress.

Irish; author unknown; tenth-eleventh century.

Go mbeannaí Dia duit.