Happy Birthday, Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness

Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness was born on this day in 1798.

The WORKMAN'S FRIEND

When things go wrong and will not come right,

Though you do the best you can,

When life looks black as the hour of night –

A pint of plain is your only man.

When money’s tight and hard to get

And your horse has also ran,

When all you have is a heap of debt –

A pint of plain is your only man.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange,

And your face is pale and wan,

When doctors say you need a change,

A pint of plain is your only man.

When food is scarce and your larder bare

And no rashers grease your pan,

When hunger grows as your meals are rare –

A pint of plain is your only man.

In time of trouble and lousey strife,

You have still got a darlin’ plan

You still can turn to a brighter life –

A pint of plain is your only man.

Flann O’Brien