The constable asserted that he was intoxicated, but the gentleman himself insisted that he was merely a poet in a more than usually inspired state.
"I am in the poetical advertising line, your worship.

It is true I was surrounded by a crowd, but I was merely practising my trade.

I don't mind telling your worship that this holiday-time makes things a little lively, and the tradesmen drink my health a trifle oftener than usual; poetry is dry work, your worship, and a poet needs a good deal of liquid refreshment.

I do not disturb the peace, your worship, at least not more than any other poet.

I go to a grocer's, and, standing outside, I make up some rhymes about his nice sweet sugar or his ale.