But soon this scene of cozey fuss
Was changed to prospects queering
The blunt ran shy, and Bobby brush'd, [6]
To get more rag not fearing; [7]
To Islington he quickly hied,
A traveller there he dropped on;
The traps were fly, his rig they spied [8]
And ruffles soon they popped on. [9]
When evening came, he sought not home,
While she, poor stupid woman,
Got lushed that night, [10]
Oh, saw his sprite,
Then heard the knell
That bids farewell!
Then heard the knell
Of St. Pulchre's bell! [11]
Now he dangles on the Common.
[1: Notes; ale-house]
[2: walk around]
[3: rob passers-by]
[4: police]
[5: girl]
[6: money; went off]
[7: notes or gold]
[8: object]
[9: handcuffs]
[10: drunk]
[11: Notes]
FLASHEY JOE [Notes]
[1826]
[By R. MORLEY in _Universal Songster_, ii. 194].
I
As Flashey Joe one day did pass
Through London streets, so jolly,
A crying fish, he spied a lass
'Twas Tothill's pride, sweet Molly!
He wip'd his mug with bird's-eye blue [1]
He cried,--"Come, buss your own dear Joe"; [2]
She turned aside, alas! 'tis true
And bawled out--"Here's live mackerel, O!
Four a shilling, mackerel, O!
All alive, O!
New mackerel, O."