II KINGSLAND ROAD, N.E.

As I went walking down the Kingsland Road I met an old man, with a very heavy load; He had a crooked nose, and one tooth in his head, And as I went by him he stopped me, and said: I’m an old, old man With a very heavy sack— But when I was a young ’un I’d a heavier pack. Now my eyes are all dim, But my heart’s full of fun; Oh! heavy was my heart When my eyes were young. I’d a cartload of trouble All along o’ my wife. —It was trying to be happy Made a Hell of my life! I’m an old, old man With a gert heavy sack— But when I was a young ’un It nigh broke my back! When I looked in his eyes I found that they were blue, And the skin of his face it was wrinkled through and through. He had big hairy ears, and his beard it was white: And twittering and laughing he passed into the night.