The World’s Wit and Humor: An Encyclopedia in 15 Volumes. 1906.
Charles Dibdin (17451814)Nongtongpaw
J
Some time ago, to peep at France,
To talk of sciences and arts,
And knowledge gained in foreign parts.
Monsieur, obsequious, heard him speak,
And answered John in heathen Greek;
To all he asked, ’bout all he saw,
’Twas, “Monsieur, je vous n’entends pas.”
Its splendour almost struck him dumb.
“I say, whose house is that there here?”
“House? Je vous n’entends pas, monsieur.”
“What, Nongtongpaw again!” cries John;
“This fellow is some mighty Don;
No doubt he’s plenty for the maw.
I’ll breakfast with this Nongtongpaw.”
And cried, astonished at the sight,
“Whose fine estate is that there here?”
“State? Je vous n’entends pas, monsieur.”
“His? What! the land, and houses, too?
The fellow’s richer than a Jew;
On everything he lays his claw.
I’d like to dine with Nongtongpaw.”
John cried, enchanted with her air,
“What lovely wench is that there here?”
“Ventch! Je vous n’entends pas, monsieur.”
“What! he again? Upon my life,
A palace, lands, and then a wife,
Sir Joshua might delight to draw!
I’d like to sup with Nongtongpaw.
“Je vous n’entends pas.” “What! is he gone?
Wealth, fame, and beauty could not save
Poor Nongtongpaw, then, from the grave!
His race is run, his game is up.
I’d with him breakfast, dine, and sup,
But, since he chooses to withdraw,
Good-night t’ye, Mounseer Nongtongpaw.”