Verse II.—(Containing the moral reflection.)
Now, the sight of those tickets gave me an idear.
What it set me a-thinking you're going to 'ear:
I thought there were things that would possibly be
Better given away—with a Pound of Tea!
Chorus—"Given away." So much as to say, &c.
Verse III.—(This, as being rather personal than general in its application, may need some apology. It is really put in as a graceful concession to the taste of an average Music-hall audience, who like to be assured that the Artists who amuse them are as unfortunate as they are erratic in their domestic relations.)
Now, there's my old Missus who sits up at 'ome—
And when I sneak up-stairs my 'air she will comb,—
I don't think I'd call it bad business if she
Could be given away—with a Pound of Tea!
Chorus—"Given away!" That's what they say, &c. [Mutatis mutandis.
Verse IV.—(Flying at higher game. The social satire here is perhaps almost too good-natured, seeing what intolerable pests all Peers are to the truly Democratic mind. But we must walk before we can run. Good-humoured contempt will do very well, for the present.)
Fair Americans snap up the pick of our Lords.
It's a practice a sensible Briton applords.
[This will check any groaning at the mention of Aristocrats.
Far from grudging our Dooks to the pretty Yan-kee,—
(Magnanimously) Why, we'd give 'em away—with a Pound of Tea!
Chorus—Give 'em away! So we all say, &c.
Verse V.—(More frankly Democratic still.)