III
And once again I see that brow no idle rouge is there,
The dubsman's ruthless hand has cropped her once luxurious hair; [3]
She teases hemp in solitude, and there is no one near,
To press her hand within his own, and call for ginger-beer.
I saw her but a moment, yet methinks I see her now,
With the card and heckle in her hand, a-teasing of that tow.
[1: face; porter] [2: handcuffs] [3: gaoler's]
THE FAKER'S NEW TOAST [Notes] [1841]
[By BON GAULTIER ("Nimming Ned") in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine]