The Yorkshire Weekly Post. December 24, 1886.
In 1884 there was a parody competition in the columns of Truth on portions of The Ancient Mariner, the topic selected by the Puzzle Editor being the filthy state of the River Thames. Nine of these parodies were printed in Truth, September 11 and 18, 1884; being somewhat monotonous, it will be sufficient to quote one only:—
The River Thames.
It is an aged lighterman,
And he quick accosteth me.
“By thy thirsty mouth and bleary eye,
Why makest thou so free?
“The street front door stands open wide,
And I have bought the gin;