Jack Flashman [Notes]
[By PIERCE EGAN in Captain Macheath].
I
Jack Flashman was a prig so bold,
Who sighed for nothen but the gold;
For sounding, frisking any clie, [1]
Jack was the lad, and never shy.
Fol, de, rol.
II
Jack long was on the town, a teazer; [2]
A spicy blade for wedge or sneezer; [3]
Could turn his fives to anything [4]
Nap a reader, or filch a ring. [5]
Fol, de, rol.
III
Jack was all game, and never slack, [6]
In the darky tried the crack; [7]
Frisk’d the lobby and the swag;
“I’m fly to every move,” his brag. [8]
Fol, de, rol.
IV
But Jack, at last, got too knowen—
Was made a flat by his blowen! [9]
She peached, so got him into trouble. [10]
And then, tipp’d poor Jack the double! [11]
Fol, de, rol.
V
Jack left the jug right mer-ri-ly, [12]
And vent and black’d his doxy’s eye! [13]
Saying—look, marm, when next you split,
I’ll finish you with a rummy hit!
Fol, de, rol.
VI
My blades, before my chaunt I end, [14]
Here the rag-sauce of a friend; [15]
Ne’er trust to any fancy jade,
For all their chaff is only trade!
Fol, de, rol.
VII
Let all their gammon be resisted;
Vithout you vishes to get twisted! [16]
And never nose upon yourself— [17]
You then are sure to keep your pelf.
Fol, de, riddle.
[1: robbing; pocket] [2: clever fellow] [3: silver plate; snuffbox] [4: hands] [5: pocket-book; steal a ring] [6: bold] [7: evening; burglary] [8: aware of] [9: betrayed by his mistress] [10: gave information] [11: deserted] [12: prison] [13: sweetheart] [14: men] [15: advice] [16: hung] [17: talk about]