IT WAS NOT HIS LIVING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue X, 7 March 1896, Page 284

IT WAS NOT HIS LIVING.

Now the outlook was shady—a deep shade of blue, For his pawnable props had long since sought the flue ; He could soon have found work had he wished it, it’s true ; But he didn’t do that for a living.

So he popped his head into each neighbouring pub, On the look out for someone from whom he could * sub ’; For since yesterday morning he’d gone without grub, Though he didn’t do that for a living.

He’d no luck until he, at the noon of the day, Saw a girl on a bicycle coming his way ; And long odds to himself he was willing to lay That she didn’t do that for a living.

She was charming, although, if you’ll pardon the trope. She’d been using the rouge in mistake for the soap, Which looked odd—but, however, we’ll fervently hope

That she didn’t do that for a living.

Then our friend crossed the road, for he’d happened to strike A bright notion, and stopped right in front of the ‘ bike ;’ And he murmured, * Run over me, miss, if you like !’ Though he didn’t do that for a living.

They collided, but, being prepared for a crash, He not only held up, but, by making a dash, He succeeded in breaking the fall of the * mash,’ Though he didn’t do that for a living.

He begged pardon, and she didn’t answer him * Nay,' As no harm had been done, so he went on his way With a small canvas bag which she’d dropped in the fray Though he didn’t do that for a living.

It contained ninety sovs she’d intended to bank, So our hero set sail over the great herring tank ; For abroad he meant trying the honesty plank, Though he’d never done that for a living.

But he played up such tricks in that land o’er the sea That a party named Lynch left him right up a tree; And the tight-rope performance which followed was free, As he didn’t do that for a living. Doss Chiderdoss.