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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A DESCRIPTION OF LONDON by JOHN BANCKS

Poem Explanation

First Line: HOUSES, CHURCHES, MIXED TOGETHER, / STREETS UNPLEASANT IN ALL WEATHER
Last Line: THIS IS LONDON! HOW D'YE LIKE IT?
Subject(s): LONDON; THAMES (RIVER); TRAVEL; JOURNEYS; TRIPS;

HOUSES, churches, mixed together,
Streets unpleasant in all weather;
Prisons, palaces contiguous,
Gates, a bridge, the Thames irriguous.

Gaudy things enough to tempt ye,
Showy outsides, insides empty;
Bubbles, trades, mechanic arts,
Coaches, wheelbarrows and carts.

Warrants, bailiffs, bills unpaid,
Lords of laundresses afraid;
Rogues that nightly rob and shoot men,
Hangmen, aldermen and footmen.

Lawyers, poets, priests, physicians,
Noble, simple, all conditions:
Worth beneath a threadbare cover,
Villainy bedaubed all over.

Women black, red, fair and grey,
Prudes and such as never pray,
Handsome, ugly, noisy, still,
Some that will not, some that will.

Many a beau without a shilling,
Many a widow not unwilling;
Many a bargain, if you strike it:
This is London! How d'ye like it?



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