Oh, Mister Plumber, do you know Where naughty, careless, tradesman go?
The Plumber
Oh, Mister Plumber, do you know
Where naughty, careless, tradesman go?You come to set the water right–
To make the taps all safe and tight.You came to us at half-past nine;
At two you went away to dine.You came again just after three;
At five you toddled home for tea.You did some work, I must confess:
Our house was in a dreadful mess.You sent us in your little bill–
Although the taps are leaking still.Oh, Mister Plumber, do you know
Where naughty, careless tradesmen go?
Above is a poem from a rare children’s book, “Jack of All Trades, first published in 1900. Jack of All Trades has a sardonic take on every profession it looks at, from bookstore owners to cyclists to artists. It’s from a very cool blog I recommend, BibliOdyssey. BibliOdyssey digitizes obscure old books, drawings, and other interesting and evocative images.
