III
But should the traps be on the sly,
For a change we'll have a crack; [16]
The richest cribs shall our wants supply— [17]
Or we'll knap a fogle with fingers fly, [18]
When the swell one turns his back. [19]
The flimsies we can smash as well, [20]
Or a ticker deftly prig:— [21]
But if ever a pal in limbo fell, [22]
He'd sooner be scragg'd at once than tell; [23]
Though the hum-box patterer talked of hell, [24]
And the beak wore his nattiest wig. [25]
[1: police spy; share of the booty] [2: house was burgled] [3: gentlemanly] [4: police-officers] [5: Old Bailey pleaders] [6: prison] [7: gunpowder, hand dextrous at thieving] [8: thieves] [9: double-barrelled gun] [10: drink freely] [11: brandy] [12: depart] [13: fire] [14: transported] [15: hanging [hearty choke] [16: burglary] [17: houses] [18: steal; handkerchief] [19: skilful] [20: pass false notes] [21: watch] [22: prison] [24: parson] [25: magistrate; handsomest]
"THE FAKING BOY TO THE CRAP IS GONE" [Notes] [1841]
[By BON GAULTIER in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine].