Then I was one of the ——’s editors,

But had to cut to dodge my creditors.

Faking oranges I tried next on,

Then for a while I dug as a sexton.

For seven trips I was a slaver,

Then, as a barber, I turned shaver.

After that I worked as pirate,

For all the naval sharps to fire at.

Then nigger minstrel, then a sorter,

Off an’ on, shorthand reporter.