They were aye harsh on gingers in Shropshire.
P
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Poetryetc provides a venue for a dialogue relating to
> poetry and poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Max Richards
> Sent: 22 January 2007 02:00
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: is dipodic a no-no?
>
> Brosing the web for examples of the dipodic, I stumble on
> this by AEHousman (Last Poems):
>
> XVIII
>
> Oh who is that young sinner with the handcuffs on his wrists?
> And what has he been after that they groan and shake their fists?
> And wherefore is he wearing such a conscience-stricken air?
> Oh they're taking him to prison for the colour of his hair.
>
> 'Tis a shame to human nature, such a head of hair as his; In
> the good old time 'twas hanging for the colour that it is;
> Though hanging isn't bad enough and flaying would be fair For
> the nameless and abominable colour of his hair.
>
> Oh a deal of pains he's taken and a pretty price he's paid To
> hide his poll or dye it of a mentionable shade; But they've
> pulled the beggar's hat off for the world to see and stare,
> And they're haling him to justice for the colour of his hair.
>
> Now 'tis oakum for his fingers and the treadmill for his feet
> And the quarry-gang on Portland in the cold and in the heat,
> And between his spells of labour in the time he has to spare
> He can curse the God that made him for the colour of his hair.
>
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