VII
But now the beaks are on the scene, [22]
And watched by moonlight where we went:—
Stagged us a toddling into the ken, [23]
And were down upon us all; and then
Who should I spy but the slap-up spark [24]
What I eased of the swag in St James's Park. [25]
VIII
There's a time, says King Sol, to dance and sing;
I know there's a time for another thing:
There's a time to pipe, and a time to snivel—
I wish all Charlies and beaks at the divel: [26]
For they grabbed me on the prigging lay,
And I know I'm booked for Bot'ny Bay. [27]
[1: pickpockets] [2: thieving game; thieves' rendezvous] [3: drinking gin; porter] [4: evening; sun] [5: pocket-books; watches; handkerchiefs; money] [6: plunder] [7: police] [8: run; before they see you] [9: well-dressed] [10: stolen his pocketbook and watch] [11: run] [12: thieves] [13: house] [14: plunder; coin] [15: give you a half-penny] [16: woman] [17: known; men; mistress] [18: safe to trust] [19: pickpockets; burglers] [20: of our band] [21: a cheery greeting] [22: police] [23: saw us going] [24: dandy] [25: robbed of the plunder] [26: police and magistrates] [27: transported]
THE LAG'S LAMENT [1829]
[By H. T. R. in Vidocq's Memoirs, Vol III. 169].