“For years I’ve been the much observed
Of all observing eyes;
And how I stood their glance so long
Was matter of surprise.
“Amid the vile and common herd
I ever scorned to sneak;
And held my architecture forth
A relic quite unique
“But, oh, alas! Those stupid folk
Who know not how to drive
Delcared (sic) I was a stumbling block –
The greatest plague alive.
|
“In vain I offered douch and dip, And bathing, warm and cold, For prices that were very low, To rich, poor, young and old. “Ungrateful souls, who long have loved My shelter in a gale! They dared at last to make my life The subject of a sale.}} “Now look upon my hoary sides. And read their reckless deeds; Next Tuesday I’m by auction sold By Mr. Boykett Breeds. “Alas, alas! My glory pales, My wondrous race is done: I hear a voice upon the gales – Tis going, going, gone! “The hammer of the auctioneer Shall knock me soon about; My veins and arteries will all Be wrench’d right inside out. “The spot on which I long have stood Shall know me soon no more; And future ages seek in vain The site I held of yore. |
“The Aldermen and Councillors May dance upon my grave; But yet one consolation left Shall cheer my weeping shade. “Tis this, - that after many dips I’ve furnished in the past For some ‘cool hundreds’ I have dipp’d Right into them at last. “Shareholders all, a last farewell! Ye fought for me like men; Though forced at last to take sixteen, Instead of seventeen ten. “Receive my thanks, a friendly scribe, Will mark my parting breath, And tell how like a snowy swan I wobbled into death “I’m dying fast; remember me When all the sale is done; My timbers quake, the mortar fails, ‘Tis going, going, gone!” |
The Tackleway Improvement. Resolved that the work for this be carried out, and the money be borrowed – namely £260 estimated for the retaining wall required by Lady Waldegrave, £120 for the footway and kerb, and £75 for the purchase of the Crown Lane.
