 | The Ingoldsby Legends |  |
152
MORAL.
Avis au Voyageur.
Imprimis.
If you contemplate walking o'er Salisbury plain,Consult Mr. Murphy, or Moore, and refrain
From selecting a day when it's likely to rain!
2°
When trav'lling, don't “flash” Your notes or your cashBefore other people—its foolish and rash!
3°
At dinner be cautious, and note well your party!—There's little to dread where the appetite's hearty,—
But mind and look well to your purse and your throttle
When you see a man shirking, and passing his bottle!
4°
If you chance to be needy, Your coat and hat seedy,In war time especially never go out
When you've reason to think there's a press-gang about!
5°
Don't chatter, nor tell people all that you think,Nor blab secrets,—especially when you're in drink.—
But keep your own counsel in all that you do!
—Or a Counsel may, some day or other, keep you.
6°
Discard superstition!—and don't take a post,If you happen to see one at night, for a Ghost!
—Last of all, if by choice or convenience you're led
To cut a man's throat, or demolish his head,
Don't do 't in a thunder-storm—wait for the summer!
And mind, above all things, the Man's not a Drummer!!
| The Ingoldsby Legends | |