The Ode of the "Early Bird" (1879)
Landlord, I am very bad sir,And I havn't got a stiver,
Don't I only wish I had sir,
Just to got a corpse reviver. Landlord, if I had the cash sir,
I for tick would not entreat,
Give us soda and a dash sir,
Or a drop of brandy neat. Landlord, do not see me perish
Right before your very eyes,
An t I'll love you, and I'll cherish
Everything that you may prize. Quoth the Landlord "You look seedy
And your tongue is somewhat furred,
So I'll help the sick and needy.
Help yourself you early bird." "Take the soda and the brandy"
And he took them nothing loth,
And a largo glass being handy,
He amalgamated both. --Mackay Standard. Notes From the Queensland Newspaper The Daily Northern Argus 1 Jul 1879 p. 2.