English poem
Iii
by John Stephen Farmer (1854–1916)
And once again I see that brow no idle rouge is there, The dubsman's ruthless hand has cropped her once luxurious hair; She teases hemp in solitude, and there is no one near, To press her hand within his own, and call for ginger-beer. I saw her but a moment, yet methinks I see her now, With the card and heckle in her hand, a-teasing of that tow.
[1: face; porter] [2: handcuffs] [3: gaoler's]
THE FAKER'S NEW TOAST [Notes] [1841]
[By BON GAULTIER ("Nimming Ned") in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine]