A History of the Cries of London Part 31

_Buy my s.h.i.+rt b.u.t.tons! s.h.i.+rt b.u.t.tons!

Buy s.h.i.+rt Hand b.u.t.tons! b.u.t.tons!_

[Ill.u.s.tration: s.h.i.+RT b.u.t.tONS.]

At a penny a dozen, a dozen, My b.u.t.tons for s.h.i.+rts I sell, Come aunt, uncle, sister, and cousin, I'll warrant I'll use you well.

_Buy my Rabbits! Rabbits, who'll buy?

Rabbit! Rabbit! who will buy?_

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE RABBIT MAN.]

"Rabbit! Rabbit! who will buy?"

Is all you hear from him; The Rabbit you may roast or fry, The fur your cloak will trim.

_Buy Rue! Buy Sage! Buy Mint!

Buy Rue, Sage and Mint, a farthing a bunch!_

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE HERB-WIFE.]

As thro' the fields she bends her way, Pure nature's work discerning; So you should practice every day, To trace the fields of learning.

_Apple Tarts! All sweet and good, to-day!

Hot, nice, sweet and good, to-day!_

[Ill.u.s.tration: APPLE TARTS. APPLE TARTS.]

Apple Tarts! Apple Tarts! Tarts, I cry!

They are all of my own making, My Apple Tarts! My Apple Tarts, come buy!

For, a honest penny I would be taking.

_Ripe Strawberries! a groat a pottle, to-day, Only a groat a pottle, is what I say!_

[Ill.u.s.tration: RIPE AND FRESH STRAWBERRIES.]

Ripe strawberries, a full pottle for a groat!

They are all ripe and fresh gathered, as you see, No finer for money I believe can be bought; So I pray you come and deal fairly with me.

_Any Knives, or Scissors to grind, to-day?

Big Knives, or little Knives, or Scissors to grind, O!_

[Ill.u.s.tration: ANY KNIVES OR SCISSORS TO GRIND.]

Any Knives or Scissors to grind, to-day?

I'll do them well and there's little to pay; Any Knives or Scissors to grind, to-day?

If you've nothing for me, I'll go away.

_Door-Mat! Door-Mat, Buy a Door-Mat, Rope-mat! Rope-Mat! Buy a Rope-Mat._

[Ill.u.s.tration: ROPE MAT. DOOR MAT.]

Rope Mat! Door Mat! you really must Buy one to save the mud and dust; Think of the dirt brought from the street For the want of a Mat to wipe your feet.

_Clothes Props! Clothes Props! I say, good wives Clothes Props, all long and very strong, to-day._

[Ill.u.s.tration: CLOTHES PROPS, CLOTHES PROPS.]

Buy Clothes Props, Buy Clothes Props!

Pretty maids, or pretty wives, I say, I sell them half the price of the shops; So you'll buy of the old man, I pray.

_Come take a Peep, boys, take a Peep?

Girls, I've the wonder of the world._

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE RAREE-SHOW.]

Come take a Peep, each lady and gent, My Show is the best, I a.s.sure you; You'll not have the least cause to repent, For I'll strive all I can to allure you.

_Water Cresses! Fine Spring Water Cresses!

Three bunches a penny, young Water Cresses!_

[Ill.u.s.tration: WATER CRESSES. FRESH AND FINE.]

Young Cresses, fresh, at breakfast taken A relish will give to eggs and bacon!

My profit's small, for I put many In bunches sold at three a penny

_Mutton Pies! Mutton Pies! Mutton Pies, Come feast your eyes with my Mutton Pies._

[Ill.u.s.tration: WHO'LL BUY MY MUTTON PIES?]

Through London's long and busy streets, This honest woman cries, To every little boy she meets, Who'll buy my Mutton Pies?

_Please to Pity the Poor Old Fiddler!

Pity the Poor Old Blind Fiddler!_

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE POOR OLD FIDDLER.]

The poor old Fiddler goes his rounds, Along with old Dog Tray; The East of London mostly bounds His journeys for the day.