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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE LESSON by ELIZABETH TURNER (1755-1846)

First Line: ONE AFTERNOON, AS JOSEPH WEST
Last Line: BEAT HEADSTRONG TILL HE'D HAVE NO MORE.
Subject(s): BOYS; FIGHTS;

ONE afternoon, as Joseph West,
The boy who learnt his lesson best,
Was trying how his whip would crack,
By chance hit Headstrong on the back.

Enraged, he flew, and gave poor Joe
With all his might a sudden blow:
Nor would he listen to one word,
When Joe endeavoured to be heard.

Joe, finding him resolved to fight,
For what was accidental quite,
Although he never fought before,
Beat Headstrong till he'd have no more.



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