VIII
So from hartful young dodgers,
From vaxy old codgers, [13]
From the blowens ve got [14]
Soon to know vot is vot.
IX
Now then there is yer sumptuous
Tuck-in of most scrumptious,
And dainty mag-pie! [15]
Will ye jes' come and try?
[1: thieves] [2: money] [3: imprisoned] [4: hung] [5: counterfeiters; pickpockets] [6: magistrates] [7: police; informers] [8: prowling; begging letter writers] [9: writers of "blood and thunder">[ [10: queer places] [11: thieves' resorts] [12: talk] [13: men] [14: prostitutes] [15: speech]
VILLON'S GOOD-NIGHT [1887]
[By WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY].
I
You bible-sharps that thump on tubs, [1]
You lurkers on the Abram-sham, [2]
You sponges miking round the pubs, [3]
You flymy titters fond of flam, [4]
You judes that clobber for the stramm, [5]
You ponces good at talking tall,
With fawneys on your dexter famm— [6]
A mot's good-night to one and all! [7]