William Harrison Ainsworth

The Four Cautions

Pay attention to these cautions four, 
And through life you will need little more, 
Should you dole out your days to threescore 
Beware of a pistol before!
				Before! Before! 
Beware of a pistol before !

And when backward his ears are inclined,
And his tail with his ham is combined, 
Caution two you will bear in your mind: 
Beware of a prancer behind!
				Behind! behind! 
Beware of a prancer behind!

Thirdly, when in the park you may ride, 
On your best bit of blood, sir, astride,         
Chatting gay to your old friend’s young bride: 
Beware of a coach at the side !
				At the side! at the side! 
Beware of a coach at the side!

Lastly, whether in purple or gray, 
Canter, ranter, grave, solemn, or gay, 
Whatever he may do or may say, 
Beware of a priest every way!
				Every way! every way! 
Beware of a priest every way!