"'And John may laugh at mine,' excellent!" cried Gentleman George, lighting his pipe and winking at Attie, "I hears as how you be a famous fellow with the lasses."
Ned smiled and answered,—"No man should boast; but—" Pepper paused significantly, and then glancing at Attie, said—"Talking of lasses, it is my turn to knock down a gentleman for a song, and I knock down fighting Attie."
"I never sing," said the warrior.
"Treason, treason," cried Pepper; "it is the law, and you must obey the law;—so begin."
"It is true, Attie," said Gentleman George.
There was no appeal from the honest publican's fiat; so, in a quick and laconic manner, it being Attie's favourite dogma, that the least said is the soonest mended, the warrior sung as follows—
Fighting Attie's Song.
Air.—"He was famed for deeds of arms."
"Rise at six—dine at two—
Rob your man without ado—
Such my maxims—if you doubt
Their wisdom—to the right about!"