Gignol

Robert William Service

Addict of Punch and Judy shows
     I was when I was small;
My kiddy laughter, I suppose,
     Rang louder than them all.
The Judge with banter I would bait,
     The Copper was a wretch;
But oh how I would hiss my hate
               For grim Jack Ketch.

Although a grandsire grey I still
     Love Punch and Judy shows,
And with my toddlers help to fill
     Enthusiastic rows.
How jolly is their mirth to see,
     And what a sigh they fetch,
When Punch begs to be shown and he
               Jerks up Jack Ketch.

Heigh ho! No more I watch the play;
     It is the audience
That gives me my delight today,—
     Such charm of innocence!
Immortal mimes! It seems to me,
     Could I re-live my span,
With gusto I would like to be
               A Punch and Judy Man.

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