free-verse12 lines
A Street Fight. (To Mr F - - .) {38}
by Francis William Lauderdale AdamsSir, we approve your curling lip and nose
At this vile sight.
These men, these women are brute beasts? - Who knows,
Sir, but that you are right?
Panders and harlots, rogues and thieves and worse,
We are a crew
Whose pitiful plunder's honoured in the purse
Of gentlemen like you.
Whom holy Competition's taught (like us)
"What's thine is mine!" -
How we must love you who have made us thus,
You may perhaps divine!