Page:Storys of The young robber (1).pdf/24

 THE LAWYER AND THE CHIMNEY-SWEEPER.

A ROGUISH old lawyer was planning new sin, As he lay on his bed in a fit of the gout; The mails and the daylight were just coming in, The milkmaids and rush-lights were just going out;

When a chimney-sweep's boy, who had made a mistake, Came flop down the flue with a clattering rush, And bawl'd, as he gave his black muzzle a shake, "My master's a-coming to give you a brush."

"If that be the case," said the cunning old elf, "There's no time to lose it is high time to flee.--- Ere he gives me a brush, I will brush off myself... If I wait for the devil---the devil take me!"

So he limp'd to the door without saying his prayers; But Old Nick was too deep to be nick'd of his prey; For the knave broke his neck by a tumble down stairs, And thus ran to the devil by running away.

FINIS,