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1849–1903

I. BUS-DRIVER

William Ernest Henley

He's called The General from the brazen craft And dash with which he sneaks a bit of road And all its fares; challenged, or chafed, or chaffed, Back-answers of the newest he'll explode;

He reins his horses with an air; he treats With scoffing calm whatever powers there be; He gets it straight, puts a bit on, and meets His losses with both lip and pounds s. d.;

He arrogates a special taste in short; Is loftily grateful for a flagrant smoke; At all the smarter housemaids winks his court, And taps them for half-crowns; being stoney-broke,

Lives lustily; is ever on the make; And hath, I fear, none other gods but Fake.

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I. BUS-DRIVER · William Ernest Henley · Poetry Cove