English poem
An Explanation
by Thomas Hood (1799–1845)
BY ONE OF THE LIVERY.
Says Blue-and-Buff, to Drab-and-Pink, “I’ve heard the hardest word I think, That ever posed me since my teens, I wonder what As-best-os means!”
Says Drab-and-Pink, to Blue-and-Buff, “The word is clear, and plain enough. It means a Nag wot goes the pace, And so as best os wins the race.”
ON THE NEW HALF-FARTHINGS.
“Too small for any marketable shift, What purpose can there be for coins like these?” Hush, hush, good Sir!--Thus charitable Thrift May give a Mite to him who wants a cheese!
THE SURPLICE QUESTION.
BY A BENEDICT.
A very pretty public stir Is making, down at Exeter, About the surplice fashion: And many bitter words and rude Have been bestowed upon the feud, And much unchristian passion.
For me, I neither know nor care Whether a Parson ought to wear A black dress or a white dress; Fill’d with a trouble of my own,-- A Wife who preaches in her gown, And lectures in her night-dress!
THE EPPING HUNT.