In bed or on the scaffold?

Flare up, I say, then, jolly friends,

And pass the bingo gaily;

Who cares a rap if all this ends

Some morn at the Old Bailey?

"A short life and a merry one"

Should be our constant maxim;

And he's a fool that gives up fun

Because remorse attacks him.

"Now let us be moving, young sprig," said Crankey Jem, when the song was brought to a conclusion. "You shall come with me to my lodging, where we'll have a bit of supper together; and then I'll tell you my story. It is a strange one, I can assure you."