Part 27 (1/2)

THE GAME OF HIGH TOBY [Notes]

[1834]

[By W. HARRISON AINSWORTH in _Rookwood_].

I

Now Oliver puts his black night-cap on, [1]

And every star its glim is hiding, [2]

And forth to the heath is the scampsman gone, [3]

His matchless cherry-black prancer riding; [4]

Merrily over the Common, he flies, Fast and free as the rush of rocket, His c.r.a.pe-covered vizard drawn over his eyes, His tol by his side and his pops in his pocket. [5]

_Chorus_.

Then who can name So merry a game, As the game of all games--high-toby? [6]

II

The traveller hears him, away! away!

Over the wide, wide heath he scurries; He heeds not the thunderbolt summons to stay, But ever the faster and faster he hurries,

But what daisy-cutter can match that black t.i.t? [7]

He is caught--he must 'stand and deliver'; Then out with the dummy, and off with the bit, [8]

Oh! the game of high-toby for ever!

_Chorus_.

Then who can name So merry a game As the game of all games--high-toby?

III

Believe me, there is not a game, my brave boys, To compare with the game of high-toby; No rapture can equal the tobyman's joys, [9]

To blue devils, blue plumbs give the go-by; [10]

And what if, at length, boys, he come to the c.r.a.p! [11]

Even rack punch has _some_ bitter in it, For the mare-with-three-legs, boys, I care not a rap, [12]

'Twill be over in less than a minute!

_Chorus_.

Then hip, hurrah!

Fling care away!

Hurrah for the game of high-toby!

[1: the moon]

[2: light]

[3: highwayman]

[4: black horse]