Part 13 (1/2)

[3: well-dressed victim; walk]

[4: give signal to confederate]

[5: Notes]

[6: robbing]

[7: get you transported]

[8: steal; handkerchief]

[9: receiver of stolen property]

[10: house]

THE POTATO MAN [Notes]

[1775]

[from _The Ranelaugh Concert_...a choice collection of the newest songs sung at all the public places of entertainment].

I

I am a saucy rolling blade, [1]

I fear not wet nor dry, I keep a jack a.s.s for my trade, And thro' the streets do cry _Chorus_. And they all rare potatoes be!

And they're, etc.

II

A moll I keep that sells fine fruit, [2]

There's no one brings more cly; [3]

She has all things the seasons suit, While I my potatoes cry.

_Chorus_. And they all, etc.

III

A link boy once I stood the gag, [4]

At Charing Cross did ply, Here's light your honor for a mag, [5]

But now my potatoes cry.

_Chorus._ And they all, etc.

IV

With a blue bird's eye about my squeeg, [6]

And a check s.h.i.+rt on my back, [7]

A pair of large wedges in my hoofs, And an oil skin round my hat.

_Chorus._ And they all, etc.

V

I'll bait a bull or fight a c.o.c.k, Or pigeons I will fly; I'm up to all your knowing rigs [8]

Whilst I my potatoes cry.

_Chorus._ And they all, etc.