Cramping Their Style.
Page 21
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
MANY of us can remember the time when the London bus driver was noted for his wit and satire, for his jibes at drivers of other vehicles. The motorbus driver of to-day is not a lighthearted individual ; in fact, he is rebuked in an L.G.O.C. weekly "Traffic Circular" for finding solace in a bun. Evidently, too, the conductor is the one who now views life cheerfully and has allowed his feelings so much to get the better of him as to take to whistling, a habit which the company intend to nip in the bud. Let us see how " Luelo" in the If f anelbester Guardian views the situation:— Sometimes the busman's heart is light,
Though round him cares and duties bristle, But, oh, his mirth must not take flight Embodied in a tuneful whistle.
Re must not warble like a bird; On duty mum's the only word. Sometimes the busman feels a need For human sustenance or fodder, But he must not in public feed, For naught looks more uncouth and odder.
Oh, no, he must not gnaw a bun.
It is not lone; it is not done.
Sometimes perhaps the busman tends To break the ruling and abuse it ; On high his tuneful strain ascends, And then he buys a bun and chews it. When facts like these are ascertained The Co. is very deeply pained.
But still one fact that none can scorn Should put the Co. in better feather— The most rebellious busman born Can scarce perform both feats together. No man has ever yet begun
To whistle through a Sally Lunn. c37