(To Mr. James Payn's Conundrum.)
["Why does a cabman always indignantly refuse his proper fare?"—James Payn.]
Oh well, becos fare is not fair!
Becos sech lots o' fares is shabby!
Becos yer Briton is a bear,
Or else a blessed ignerent babby!
Becos bare fare comes bloomin' 'ard,
And wot is 'ard cannot be "proper"!
Becos we're worrited by the "Yard,"
The British Female and the "Copper"!