And never Craven act of mine a Freeman shall disgrace;
Whoever dares me to the fight, by no proud threat’ning scar’d,
Will find me anxious still for peace, and yet for war prepared!”
“By Heavens!” cried Johnny Broome, “my pink, tho’ nothing you’re afraid of,
I have a Novice in the Ring who’ll try what stuff you’re made of;
Deposits shall be duly made, and matters go on snugly,
And there you’ll meet a customer as rum as he is ugly.
“One who professes bull-dog game I to the scratch will bring,
Welcome to whom is punishment as flowers in early spring;
One who in contest fierce and long, ‘Enough!’ has never cried,