Volume I Part 16 (1/2)

V

Juggling's no sin, for we must have victual: Nature allows us to bait for the fool.

Holding one's own makes us juggle no little; But, to increase it, hard juggling's the rule.

You that are sneering at my profession, Haven't you juggled a vast amount?

There's the Prime Minister, in one Session, Juggles more games than my sins 'll count.

VI

I've murdered insects with mock thunder: Conscience, for that, in men don't quail.

I've made bread from the b.u.mp of wonder: That's my business, and there's my tale.

Fas.h.i.+on and rank all praised the professor: Ay! and I've had my smile from the Queen: Bravo, Jerry! she meant: G.o.d bless her!

Ain't this a sermon on that scene?

VII

I've studied men from my topsy-turvy Close, and, I reckon, rather true.

Some are fine fellows: some, right scurvy: Most, a dash between the two.

But it's a woman, old girl, that makes me Think more kindly of the race: And it's a woman, old girl, that shakes me When the Great Juggler I must face.

VIII

We two were married, due and legal: Honest we've lived since we've been one.

Lord! I could then jump like an eagle: You danced bright as a bit o' the sun.

Birds in a May-bush we were! right merry!

All night we kiss'd, we juggled all day.

Joy was the heart of Juggling Jerry!

Now from his old girl he's juggled away.

IX

It's past parsons to console us: No, nor no doctor fetch for me: I can die without my bolus; Two of a trade, la.s.s, never agree!

Parson and Doctor!--don't they love rarely, Fighting the devil in other men's fields!

Stand up yourself and match him fairly: Then see how the rascal yields!

X

I, la.s.s, have lived no gipsy, flaunting Finery while his poor helpmate grubs: Coin I've stored, and you won't be wanting: You shan't beg from the troughs and tubs.

n.o.bly you've stuck to me, though in his kitchen Many a Marquis would hail you Cook!

Palaces you could have ruled and grown rich in, But our old Jerry you never forsook.

XI

Hand up the chirper! ripe ale winks in it; Let's have comfort and be at peace.

Once a stout draught made me light as a linnet.