Then, my blades, when you're bush'd, and must have the swag, [10]
Walk into tattlers, shiners, and never fear the lag; [11]
Then patter to all spicey, and tip 'em lots of fun, [12]
And blunt you'll never want while you've got a pop-gun. [13]
Fol, de, rol! la!
[1: ears]
[2: highwayman]
[3: fellow]
[4: money]
[5: run away]
[6: went off; afraid]
[7: highwayman]
[8: highwayman]
[9: money]
[10: companions; out of luck; plunder]
[11: watches; money; transportation]
[12: talk; civilly; give]
[13: money]
JACK FLASHMAN[Notes]
[1842]
[By PIERCE EGAN in _Captain Macheath_].
I
Jack Flashman was a prig so bold, Who sighed for nothen but the gold; For sounding, frisking any clie, [1]
Jack was the lad, and never shy.
Fol, de, rol.
II
Jack long was on the town, a teazer; [2]
A spicy blade for wedge or sneezer; [3]
Could turn his fives to anything [4]
Nap a reader, or filch a ring. [5]
Fol, de, rol.
III
Jack was all game, and never slack, [6]
In the darky tried the crack; [7]
Frisk'd the lobby and the swag; "I'm fly to every move," his brag. [8]
Fol, de, rol.
IV
But Jack, at last, got too knowen-- Was made a flat by his blowen! [9]
She peached, so got him into trouble. [10]
And then, tipp'd poor Jack the double! [11]
Fol, de, rol.
V
Jack left the jug right mer-ri-ly, [12]
And vent and black'd his doxy's eye! [13]
Saying--look, marm, when next you split, I'll finish you with a rummy hit!
Fol, de, rol.
VI
My blades, before my chaunt I end, [14]
Here the rag-sauce of a friend; [15]
Ne'er trust to any fancy jade, For all their chaff is only trade!
Fol, de, rol.
VII
Let all their gammon be resisted; Vithout you vishes to get twisted! [16]
And never nose upon yourself-- [17]
You then are sure to keep your pelf.
Fol, de, riddle.
[1: robbing; pocket]
[2: clever fellow]
[3: silver plate; snuffbox]
[4: hands]
[5: pocket-book; steal a ring]
[6: bold]
[7: evening; burglary]
[8: aware of]
[9: betrayed by his mistress]
[10: gave information]
[11: deserted]
[12: prison]
[13: sweetheart]
[14: men]
[15: advice]
[16: hung]
[17: talk about]