But should the traps be on the sly,
For a change we'll have a crack; [16]
The richest cribs shall our wants supply-- [17]
Or we'll knap a fogle with fingers fly, [18]
When the swell one turns his back. [19]
The flimsies we can smash as well, [20]
Or a ticker deftly prig:-- [21]
But if ever a pal in limbo fell, [22]
He'd sooner be scragg'd at once than tell; [23]
Though the hum-box patterer talked of hell, [24]
And the beak wore his nattiest wig. [25]
[1: police spy; share of the booty]
[2: house was burgled]
[3: gentlemanly]
[4: police-officers]
[5: Old Bailey pleaders]
[6: prison]
[7: gunpowder, hand dextrous at thieving]
[8: thieves]
[9: double-barrelled gun]
[10: drink freely]
[11: brandy]
[12: depart]
[13: fire]
[14: transported]
[15: hanging [hearty choke]]
[16: burglary]
[17: houses]
[18: steal; handkerchief]
[19: skilful]
[20: pass false notes]
[21: watch]
[22: prison]
[24: parson]
[25: magistrate; handsomest]
"THE FAKING BOY TO THE CRAP IS GONE" [Notes]
[1841]
[By BON GAULTIER in _Tait's Edinburgh Magazine_].
I
The faking boy to the crap is gone, [1]
At the nubbing-cheat you'll find him; [2]
The hempen cord they have girded on,
And his elbows pinned behind him.
"Smash my glim," cries the reg'lar card, [3]
"Though the girl you love betrays you,
Don't split, but die both game and hard,
And grateful pals shall praise you."