of foam.

Ben, meanwhile, like a tin reflector, Attended on the worthy rector; p. 61Opened his eyes and held his breath, And flattered to the point of death; And was at last, by that good fairy, Apprenticed to the Apothecary.

p. 61

So Ben, while Robin chose to roam, A rising chemist was at home, Tended his shop with learnèd air, Watered his drugs and oiled his hair, And gave advice to the unwary, Like any sleek apothecary.

Meanwhile upon the deep afar Robin the brave was waging war, With other tarry desperadoes About the latitude of Barbadoes. He knew no touch of craven fear; His voice was thunder in the cheer; First, from the main-to’-gallan’ high, The skulking merchantmen to spy— p. 62The first to bound upon the deck, The last to leave the sinking wreck. His hand was steel, his word was law, His mates regarded him with awe. No pirate in the whole profession Held a more honourable position.

p. 62

At length, from years of anxious toil, Bold Robin seeks his native soil; Wisely arranges his affairs, And to his native dale repairs. The Bristol Swallow sets him down Beside the well-remembered town. He sighs, he spits, he marks the scene, Proudly he treads the village green; And, free from pettiness and rancour, Takes lodgings at the ‘Crown and Anchor.’

Strange, when a man so great and good Once more in his home-country stood, Strange that the sordid clowns should show A dull desire to have him go.

p. 63 

p. 63

His clinging breeks, his tarry hat, p. 65The way he swore, the way he spat, A certain quality of manner, Alarming like the pirate’s banner— Something that did not seem to suit all— Something, O call it bluff, not brutal— Something at least, howe’er it’s called, Made Robin generally black-balled.

p. 65

His soul was wounded; proud and glum, Alone he sat and swigged his rum, And took a great distaste to men Till he encountered Chemist Ben. Bright was the hour and bright the day That threw them in each other’s way; Glad were their mutual salutations, Long their respective revelations. Before the inn in sultry weather They talked of this and that together; Ben told the tale of his indentures, And Rob narrated his adventures.

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