Poetry
The Jolly Tinker
THERE was once a tinker who used to sing, • As he jogged along in his caravan, If the King is a man, God save the King; But if only a king, God save the man ! "
No dog in the world had teeth so white, No stag in the world had eyes so brown ; And anyone wanting a stand-up fight Had only to throw him their challenge down.
And from Berwick-on-Tweed to the Sussex Weald, And from Flamborough Head to Carnarvon Bay; He would gather from any good roost or field
Fresh stock kir hiS pot at-the close of day-
. - -
4 capon, from here, or a duck from there;
Or a pheasant or two, if his luck was in; .For helping himself to good honest fare
lie.npvcr. considered A grievous sin.
And anything tasty that might accrue He would add, with the onion that never fails To give'the right flavour to any stew Concocted in England, or Scotland, or Wales.
And after his supper he. still would sing, As he went-to bed in his caravan: " If the King is a man, God save the King, But if only a king, God save the man ! "
Previous page
