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57

An Excellent NEW BALLAD, CALLED, A Bob for the C***t.

[_]

To the Tune of, In the Days of my Youth— In the first Part of the Beggar's Opera.

I

Ye Poets, take Heed how you trust to the Muse, fa, la.
What Words to make Choice of, and what to refuse, fa, la.
If she hint at a Vice of political Sort, fa, la.
Application cries out, That's a Bob for the C---t, fa, la

II

Corruption, Ambition, Pomp, Vanity, Pride fa, la.
Are Terms, that by Guess-work are often apply'd; fa, la.
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To quote Horace is thought meer Derision and Sport; fa, la.
Application cries out, That's a Bob for the C---t. fa, la.

III

If Congress is nam'd, you must mean it a Slap; fa, la.
The City of Soissons blot out of your Map; fa, la.
Ostend is a Word of such doubtful Import, fa, la.
Application cries out, That's a Bob for the C---t, fa, la.

IV

If Truce or Galleon in your Writing appears, fa, la.
The Word Cardinal mars our foreign Affairs; fa, la.
Gibraltar avoid; if you mention that Port, fa, la.
Application cries out, That's a Bob for the C---t, fa, la.

V

Secret Service you never should venture to write, fa, la.
Twill be said you would bring some dark Matters to light, fa, la.
If you speak of our Trade, or ask what we Export, fa, la.
Application cries out, That's a Bob for the C---t, fa, la.
59

VI

If Macheath you should name, in the Midst of his Gang, fa, la.
They'll say 'tis an Hint you would Somebody hang; fa, la.
For Macheath is a Word of such evil Report, fa, la.
Application cries out, That's a Bob for the C---t. fa, la.

VII

The Word Pension you never should dare to repeat; fa, la.
Shall bold, paltry Scribblers reflect on the Great? fa, la.
As Pensions and Bribes swell the Levee's Resort, fa, la.
Application cries out, That's a Bob for the C---t. fa, la.

VIII

If Armies or Debts should escape from your Pen, fa, la.
You may chance to offend several thousands of Men; fa, la.
For as Taxes are needful standing Troops to support, fa, la.
Application will cry, That's a Bob for the C---t. fa, la.
60

IX

Now God bless King George; all his Enemies rout, fa, la.
All Those that are in, and all Those that are out. fa, la.
May true, honest Hearts be his Bulwark and Fort, fa, la.
And so there's an End of a Bob for the C---t. fa, la.
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