The Noble Tuck-Man
Americus, as he did wend
With A. J. Mortimer, his chum,
The two were greeted by a friend,
“And how are you, boys, Hi, Ho, Hum?”
He spread a note so crisp, so neat
(Ho, and Hi, and tender Hum),
“If you of this a fifth can eat
I’ll give you the remainder. Come!”
To the tuck-shop three repair,
(Ho, and Hum, and pensive Hi),
One looks on to see all’s fair,
Two call out for hot mince-pie.
Thirteen tarts, a few Bath buns
(Hi, and Hum, and gorgeous Ho),
Lobster cakes (the butter’d ones),
All at once they cry, “No go.”
Then doth tuck-man smile. “Them there
(Ho, and Hi, and futile Hum)
Jellies three and sixpence air,
Use of spoons an equal sum.”
Three are rich. Sweet task ’tis o’er,
“Tuckman, you’re a brick,” they cry,
Wildly then shake hands all four
(Hum and Ho, the end is Hi).
Jean Ingelow.