I drew nigh and looked at it, expecting that it would tell me that good ale was sold within, and read: "Tea made here, the draught which cheers but not inebriates." I was before what is generally termed a temperance house.
"The bill of fare does not tempt you, sir," said a woman who made her appearance at the door, just as I was about to turn away with an exceedingly wry face.
"It does not," said I, "and you ought to be ashamed of yourself to have nothing better to offer to a traveller than a cup of tea.

I am faint; and I want good ale to give me heart, not wishy-washy tea to take away the little strength I have." "What would you have me do, sir?
Glad should I be to have a cup of ale to offer you, but the magistrates, when I applied to them for a licence, refused me one; so I am compelled to make a cup of tea, in order to get a crust of bread.

And if you choose to step in, I will make you a cup of tea, not wishy-washy, I assure you, but as good as ever was brewed." "I had tea for my breakfast at Beth Gelert," said I, "and want no more till to-morrow morning.

What's the name of that strange-looking crag across the valley ?" "We call it Craig yr hyll ddrem, sir; which means--I don't know what it means in English." "Does it mean the crag of the frightful look ?" "It does, sir," said the woman; "ah, I see you understand Welsh.
Sometimes it's called Allt Traeth." "The high place of the sandy channel," said I; "did the sea ever come up here ?" "I can't say, sir; perhaps it did; who knows ?" "I shouldn't wonder," said I, "if there was once an arm of the sea between that crag and this hill.

Thank you! Farewell." "Then you won't walk in, sir?
"Not to drink tea," said I, "tea is a good thing at a proper time, but were I to drink it now, it would make me ill." "Pray, sir, walk in," said the woman, "and perhaps I can accommodate you." "Then you have ale ?" said I.
"No, sir; not a drop, but perhaps I can set something before you which you will like as well." "That I question," said I, "however, I will walk in." The woman conducted me into a nice little parlour, and, leaving me, presently returned with a bottle and tumbler on a tray.
"Here, sir," said she, "is something, which though not ale, I hope you will be able to drink." "What is it ?" said I.
"It is -- -, sir; and better never was drunk." I tasted it; it was terribly strong.