That a dozen wealthy travellers were coming down that way.
The band dispersed, and hid themselves, in hopes that they might plunder
The unsuspecting wayfarers. Alas! now came the blunder:
Old JOHN he wouldn't hide himself, but coolly walked about
Advancing to the footlights, he looked around—but hark! a shout:—
"Confound you! Dash my—! Just come off! Hi, you! Who are you? JOHN!"
"Not if I knowsh it, jolly old pal! I've only just come on!"
Thus saying, he lumbered round the stage. The Prompter's heart had sunk:
No doubt about the matter—Burleybumbo's man is drunk!
"Come off! Come off!" from every wing was now the angry cry.