English poem
X
by John Stephen Farmer (1854–1916)
Will no blood-hunting foot-pad, that hears me complain, Stop the wind of that nabbing-cull, constable Payne? If he does, he'll to Tyburn next sessions be dragg'd, And what kiddy's so rum as to get himself scragg'd? No! blinky, discharge her, and let her return; For ne'er was poor fellow so sadly forlorn. Zounds! what shall I do? I shall die in a ditch; Take warning by me how you're leagu'd with a bitch.
[1: companions] [2: accompanied] [3: jailed] [4: drink] [5: light-hearted] [6: picks oakum] [7: Notes] [8: gone] [9: money] [10: treat] [11: Note] [12: foolish]
YE SCAMPS, YE PADS, YE DIVERS [Notes] [1781]
[From The Choice of Harlequin: or The Indian Chief by MR. MESSINK, and sung by JOHN EDWIN as "the Keeper of Bridewell"].