VII
We beg for our Bread, yet sometimes it happens
We fast it with Pig, Pullet, Coney, and Capons
The Church's Affairs, we are no Men-slayers,
We have no Religion, yet live by our Prayers;
But if when we beg, Men will not draw their Purses,
We charge, and give Fire, with a Volley of Curses;
The Devil confound your good Worship, we cry,
And such a bold brazen-fac'd Beggar am I.
VIII
We do things in Season, and have so much Reason,
We raise no Rebellion, nor never talk Treason;
We Bill all our Mates at very low rates,
While some keep their Quarters as high as the fates;
With Shinkin-ap-Morgan, with Blue-cap, or Teague, [8]
We into no Covenant enter, nor League.
And therefore a bonny bold Beggar I'll be,
For none lives a life more merry than he.
[1 Notes] [2 wet linen] [3 ale-house] [4 stocks] [5 Notes] [6 Notes] [7 beggar's patter] [8 Notes]
A BUDG AND SNUDG SONG [Notes] [1676 and 1712]
[From A Warning for Housekeepers… by one who was a prisoner in Newgate 1676. The second version from the Triumph of Wit (1712)].