Stanza I, line 1. Moulsey-Hurst rig = a prize-fight: Moulsey- Hurst, near Hampton Court, was long a favorite venue for pugilistic encounters. Line 3. Fibbing a nob is most excellent gig = getting in a quick succession of blows on the head is good fun. Line 4. Kneading the dough = a good pummelling. Line 6. Belly-go-firsters = an initial blow, generally given in the stomach. Line 8. Measuring mugs for a chancery job = getting the head under the arm or 'in chancery'.
Stanza II, line 1. Flooring = downing (a man). Flushing = delivering a blow right on the mark, and straight from the shoulder. Line 5. Crossing = unfair fighting; shirking.
Stanza III, line 5. Victualling-office = the stomach. Line 6. Smeller and ogles = nose and eyes. Line 7. Bread-basket = stomach. Line 8. In twig = in form; ready.
Bobby And His Mary
[See ante for note on Universal Songster].
Stanza I, line 1. Dyot Street, see note page 222.
Stanza II, line 16. St. Pulchre's bell, the great bell of St. Sepulchre's Holborn, close to Newgate, always begins to toll a little before the hour of execution, under the bequest of Richard Dove, who directed that an exhortation should be made to "… prisoners that are within, Who for wickedness and sin are appointed to die, Give ear unto this passing bell."
Poor Luddy
Thomas John Dibdin (1771-1841), the author of this song, was an actor and dramatist—an illegitimate son of Charles Dibdin the elder. He claimed to have written nearly 2000 songs.
The Pickpocket's Chaunt