Poem by 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!

1. One Foot in the Stirrup, or Turpin's First Fling
2. The Game of High Toby
3. The Modern Greek
4. The Legend of Valdez
5. The Twice-Used Ring

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