The Comic Reciter (1856, Glasgow)/The Thriving Tradesmen
THE THRIVING TRADESMEN.
When a couple of broom-men had chatted one day
On a number of things in a sociable way,
A new subject they started. Says Jack, "My friend Joe,
I have long been most plaguedly puzzled to know
How you manage to sell brooms cheaper than mine,
As I steal the materials."—"I like your design,"
Replied Joe; "but improvement's the soul of a trade:
All the brooms I dispose of, I steal ready made."
On a number of things in a sociable way,
A new subject they started. Says Jack, "My friend Joe,
I have long been most plaguedly puzzled to know
How you manage to sell brooms cheaper than mine,
As I steal the materials."—"I like your design,"
Replied Joe; "but improvement's the soul of a trade:
All the brooms I dispose of, I steal ready made."