In mid-17th century London, the Ballers or Bawlers club was group of young people who enjoyed eating, drinking and being merry. Their oath, which was probably penned by Sir Charles Sedley (1639-1701), was an ode to their libertine lifestyle.
The Oath of the Ballers at the Dog and Partridge by Sir C.S.
We to this Order none receive
That in his Glass a drop doth leave
That will not turn and set and side it
As long as Damsel can abide it,
And eat and drink the best he can
Like a true Dog and Partridge man
Thou shalt no lady court whose Pride
Will any tedious siege abide,
Nor yet again descend so low
‘Mongst those that know not to say No
But when one proves truly kind
As truly be thy love confined,
Thou shalt no Observations heard
To vent for wit and great man’s board
But whatsoever is said and done
Must be forgotten by the next sun
If thou would be thou installed
And henceforth a Bawler called.
The Ballers were an early forerunner to the 18th century hell fire clubs to come. You can read or listen to my episode on the Scottish Beggar’s Benison Club here.
Everyone’s favourite rake, the Earl of Rochester (1647-1680), was a Baller and as you may know he was fond of a drink and a fuck.
Apparently they only got in trouble with the law once when they tried to import a box of leather dildoes from Holland. Sadly these were seized by customs and burnt despite the Ballers’ protests.
RIP leather dildoes 💔 🙏
Source
The Hell-Fire Clubs: Sex, Satanism and Secret Societies by Evelyn Lord.
Amorous Histories 
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