Ale-bench

VVhen the vulgar ſort / Sit on their Ale-bench, vvith their cups and kannes, / Matters of ſtate be not their common talke, / Nor pure religion by their lips prophande.

While they are so indifferent about their reputation, as to be the first and the last at the ale-bench, and even to glory in the many cups they have drunk, it ought to create no surprise, if servants are like their masters, and children their parents.

Another feature peculiar to old country inns was the ale-bench, a seat in front of the house where the thirsty wayfarer might rest and take his modest quencher.

Beowulf tasted the beaker on the hall-floor; no need had he to be ashamed of that bounty giving before the archers. There are not many instances of men giving to others at ale-bench four treasures gold bedight in friendlier wise.

“There are many,” preached Hooker, “that sit upon the ale-bench, and sweare, and drinke, and raile against Gods servants.”