Good Old Ale, Mild or Pale
The poem celebrates the pleasures of drinking ale, specifically highlighting different types such as mild, pale, India ale, and Burton. It evokes imagery of enjoying these beverages in a pastoral setting, where the sight of a distant church spire prompts thoughts of various beers. The work reflects a nostalgic and appreciative tone towards the tradition and enjoyment of ale, suggesting a deep connection between the drink and the landscape.
By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Humorous, Drinking Literature · 62 words
First lines
Good old ale, mild or pale, / India ale and Burton, / Give me a vat to swim a whale.
When far along the verdant dale / The far off spire appears, / The mind reverts to Burton's ale / And dreams of different beers.
What this Textopian page supports
Good Old Ale, Mild or Pale is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humorous, Drinking Literature
- Length: 62 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Good Old Ale, Mild or Pale by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The work follows a rhythmic, verse-based format characteristic of poetic literature.
- Humorous — The playful tone and witty commentary on various ales deliver a light-hearted, comedic effect.
- Drinking Literature — The explicit references to different types of beer situate the work within the context of literature focused on alcohol and drinking culture.
Tags
beer · ale · brewing · pub culture · alcohol · drink · history · social commentary · culinary · food culture · nostalgia · satire
More by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Treasure Island (1883)
- The Pavilion on the Links (1909)
- Olalla (1885)
- A Child's Garden of Verses (1885)
- Father Damien, An Open Letter To The Reverend Doctor Hyde Of Honolulu (1914)
- A Lowden Sabbath Morn (1916)
- Songs of Travel and Other Verses (1908)
- Prayers Written At Vailima (1916)
- All works by Robert Louis Stevenson