THE TOWN LIFE
(ROGERS)
Mine is a house at Notting Hill:
The Indian's tum-tum smites my ear;
A crowd enjoys a casual 'mill'
With no policeman lingering near.
The thief attempts the chain and watch
Conspicuous in my spacious vest;
Their balls of brass the tumblers catch,
In soiled and spangled garments dressed.
Around my steps street-organs bring
The dirtiest brats that can be seen;
And boys turn wheels, and niggers sing
To banjo and to tambourine.
The dustman bawls; the beggars tease
When coppers are not duly given;
Whilst papers, flowers, and fusees,
Annoy me six days out of seven.