Part 25 (1/2)

And for vot you vants, I begs you'll call.”

VII

But now the beaks are on the scene, [22]

And watched by moonlight where we went:-- Stagged us a toddling into the ken, [23]

And were down upon us all; and then Who should I spy but the slap-up spark [24]

What I eased of the swag in St James's Park. [25]

VIII

There's a time, says King Sol, to dance and sing; I know there's a time for another thing: There's a time to pipe, and a time to snivel-- I wish all Charlies and beaks at the divel: [26]

For they grabbed me on the prigging lay, And I know I'm booked for Bot'ny Bay. [27]

[1: pickpockets]

[2: thieving game; thieves' rendezvous]

[3: drinking gin; porter]

[4: evening; sun]

[5: pocket-books; watches; handkerchiefs; money]

[6: plunder]

[7: police]

[8: run; before they see you]

[9: well-dressed]

[10: stolen his pocketbook and watch]

[11: run]

[12: thieves]

[13: house]

[14: plunder; coin]

[15: give you a half-penny]

[16: woman]

[17: known; men; mistress]

[18: safe to trust]

[19: pickpockets; burglers]

[20: of our band]

[21: a cheery greeting]

[22: police]

[23: saw us going]

[24: dandy]

[25: robbed of the plunder]

[26: police and magistrates]

[27: transported]

THE LAG'S LAMENT [1829]

[By H. T. R. in _Vidocq's Memoirs_, Vol III. 169].