They are having larks, which, after all, is best.

But the young Town Children, O my brothers,

They are mooning all the day;

They are idling in the play-time of the others,

For they have no place to play!

Do you recollect they used to play at cricket

In the bye-streets years ago,

With a broomstick for a bat, a coat for wicket?

Now the Bobbies hunt them so!

The old ladies grumble at their skipping;