That I am dronke; I knowe it by my soun.
And therfore if that I mysspeke or seye,
Wyte it the ale of Southwerk, I you preye.

– Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales, The Miller’s Prologue. After getting his way and being allowed to speak, the Miller confesses that he is drunk and knows it. So if he says something offensive, they should blame it on the ale.