Translated from an “Argot” Song of Maitre Vidocq,
by Dr. William Maginn.

As from ken to ken I was going,

Doing a bit on the prigging lay[321],

Who should I meet but a jolly blowen[322],

Tol lol, lol lol, tol dirol lay;

Who should I meet but a jolly blowen,

Who was fly to the time of day.

Who should I meet but a jolly blowen,

Who was fly to the time of day.

I pattered in flash[323], like a covey knowing,