Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/A Draught to Cure
A Draught to Cure.
Jack Dash, in town a first-rate beau,
Some time ago,
For near a month had never ventured out:
'Twas wise, for Jack was poor, and what bespoke it
Was, that he had no money in his pocket;
And, therefore, was not quite prepared to meet
A friend of his, who slyly in the street
To tap him on the shoulder lurked about.
A doctor's wife hard by,
Who much delighted in his company
(For Jack to please the ladies had the skill),
Began to think him ill;
So sent her servant Thomas to assure him,
If he by any illness was assailed,
And would but freely tell from what he ailed,
She'd get some draughts that very soon should cure him.
Some time ago,
For near a month had never ventured out:
'Twas wise, for Jack was poor, and what bespoke it
Was, that he had no money in his pocket;
And, therefore, was not quite prepared to meet
A friend of his, who slyly in the street
To tap him on the shoulder lurked about.
A doctor's wife hard by,
Who much delighted in his company
(For Jack to please the ladies had the skill),
Began to think him ill;
So sent her servant Thomas to assure him,
If he by any illness was assailed,
And would but freely tell from what he ailed,
She'd get some draughts that very soon should cure him.
This message hearing, thus replied young Dash:
"Friend Tom, then tell your mistress I will thank her,
As my disorder's only want of cash,
To let the drafts be—on her husband's banker!"
"Friend Tom, then tell your mistress I will thank her,
As my disorder's only want of cash,
To let the drafts be—on her husband's banker!"