IV

I was taking a ducat to get back to town [10]

(I had come by the rattler to Dover), When I saw as a reeler was roasting me brown, [11]

And he rapped, "I shall just turn you over." [12]

V

I guyed, but the reeler he gave me hot beef, [13]

And a scuff came about me and hollered; I pulled out a chive, but I soon came to grief, [14]

And with screws and a james I was collared. [15]

VI

I was fullied, and then got three stretch for the job,[16]

And my trip--cuss the day as I seen her-- [17]

She sold off my home to some pals in her mob, [18]

For a couple of foont and ten deener. [19]

VII

Oh, donnys and omees, what gives me the spur, [20]

Is, I'm told by a mug (he tells whoppers), [21]

That I ought to have greased to have kept out of stir [22]

The dukes of the narks and the coppers. [23]

[1: boys]

[2: rail; ticket]

[3: basket]

[4: see; horse; go for; silver plate]

[5: steal; linen]

[6: boots; clothes]

[7: 5 notes; pocket]

[8: watch; chain; gold]

[9: diamond pin]

[10: ticket]

[11: detective; closely scanning me]

[12: said; search you]

[13: ran; tea; chased me]

[14: knife]

[15: burglars tools; caught]

[16: remanded; years]

[17: mistress]

[18: friends; set]

[19: 5 notes; shillings]

[20: girl; fellows]

[21: man]

[22: bribed]

[23: hands; detectives; police]

THE RONDEAU OF THE KNOCK [1890]

[By "DAGONET" (G. R. SIMS) in _Referee_, 20 Ap. p. 7].

I

He took the knock! No more with jaunty air [1]

He'll have the "push" that made the punter stare; No more in monkeys now odds on he'll lay [2]

And make the ever grumbling fielder gay.

One plunger more has had his little flare [3]

And then came to Monday when he couldn't "square"; [4]

Stripped of his plunees a poor denuded J [5]

He took the knock!

Where is he now? Ah! echo answers "where"?

Upon the turf he had his little day And when, stone-broke, he could no longer pay [6]

Leaving the ring to gnash its teeth and swear He took the knock!

[1: gave in]

[2: 500]

[3: opportunity]

[4: pay up]

[5: fellow]

[6: ruined]

THE RHYME OF THE RUSHER [1892]

[By DOSS CHIDERDOSS in _Sporting Times_, 29 Oct. _In Appropriate Rhyming Slanguage_].

I

I was out one night on the strict teetote, [1]

'Cause I couldn't afford a drain; I was wearing a leaky I'm afloat, [2]

And it started to France and Spain. [3]

But a toff was mixed in a bull and cow, [4]

And I helped him to do a bunk; [5]

He had been on the I'm so tap, and now [6]

He was slightly elephant's trunk. [7]

II

He offered to stand me a booze, so I [8]

Took him round to the "Mug's Retreat;"