University of Virginia Library

There was a Lad th' unluckiest of his Crew,
Was still contriving something bad, but new.
His Comrades all Obedience to him paid,
In executing what Designs he laid,
'Twas they should rob the Orchard, He'd retire,
His Foot was safe whilst theirs was in the Fire.
He kept 'em in the Dark to that degree,
None should presume to be as wise as he,
But being at the top of all Affairs,
The Profit was his own, the Mischief theirs;
There fell some Words made him begin to doubt,
The Rogues would grow so wise to send him out;
He was not pleas'd with this, and so next day
He cries to 'em as going just to play:
What a rare Jack-daw's Nest is there, look up,
You see 'tis almost at the Steeples Top.
Ah, says another, we can have no Hope
Of getting thither t'it without a Rope.
Says then the sleering Spark with courteous Grin,
By which he drew his Infant Cullies in;
Nothing more easie; did you never see
How in a Swarm Bees hanging Bee by Bee,
Make a long sort of Rope below the Tree.
Why mayn't we do the same, good Mr. John?
For that Contrivance pray let me alone.
Tom shall hold Will, you Will, and I'll hold you,
And then I warrant you the thing will do.
But if there's any does not care to try,
Let us have no Jackdaws, and what care I!
That touch'd the Quick, and so they soon comply'd,
No Argument like that was e'er deny'd,
And therefore instantly the thing was try'd.
They hanging down on Strength above depend,
Then to himself mutters their trusty Friend,
The Dogs are almost useless grown to me,
I ne'er shall have such Opportunity
To part with 'em; and so e'en let 'em go.
Then cries aloud: So ho! my Lads! so ho!
You're gone, unless ye all hold fast below.
They've serv'd my turn, so 'tis fit time to drop 'em,
The Devil, if he wants 'em, let him stop 'em.