Of law, and law's vile knavery.

[1: pickpocket; gallows]
[2: gallows]
[3: blast my eyes!]




THE NUTTY BLOWEN [Notes]
[1841]

[By BON GAULTIER in _Taits Edinburgh Magazine_].


I

She wore a rouge like roses, the night when first we met,
Her lovely mug was smiling o'er mugs of heavy wet; [1]
Her red lips had the fullness, her voice the husky tone,
That told her drink was of a kind where water is unknown.
I saw her but a moment, yet methinks I see her now,
With the bloom of borrowed flowers upon her cheek and brow.

II

A pair of iron darbies, when next we met, she wore, [2]
The expression of her features was more thoughtful than before;
And, standing by her side, was he who strove with might and main
To soothe her leaving that dear land she ne'er might see again.