Public-domain source text

Young Swell and Tramp

by James McIntyre

From Standard Ebooks · standardebooks/james-mcintyre_poetry

One day a youth full of conceit, With witty tramp he chanced to meet, As he was taking walk abroad So leisurely along the road.
The tramp well knew the stylish gent Wouid have hard work to raise a cent, But a sad tale the tramp did tell Of sorrows that had him befell.
While on the road he thus did stand And humbly held his hat in hand; Great eloquence he did employ, He said he was poor orphan boy.
From labor he would never shirk, But would be happy to get work, For his family the bread winner, But none of them had their dinner.
And some whole days would go past Wherein they never broke their fast, So pray now give me some relief And help for to assuage my grief.
Said swell, “I never take a load Of money with me when abroad, For to dispense to tramps on street, When I by chance with them do meet.
This speech for moment did not damp The ardor of the witty tramp; Said he, “Give me your card to call, And visit your manorial hall.”

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