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THINGS I DON'T LIKE TO SEE. I'm a modest young man, I'd…

“THINGS I DON'T LIKE TO SEE. I'm a modest young man, I'd have you all know, And I can't bear to hear or to see anything low; From a child all my friends could not fail to detect, That my notions were moral and strictly correct. Now some of you, doubtless, may think me an ass, And declare my…” quote by Anonymous
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““THINGS I DON'T LIKE TO SEE. I'm a modest young man, I'd have you all know, And I can't bear to hear or to see anything low; From a child all my friends could not fail to detect, That my notions were moral and strictly correct. Now some of you, doubtless, may think me an ass, And declare my confession is naught for a farce; Still, to what I have said I'll religiously stick, And, to use a low phrase, stand my ground like a brick. Stop, a few minutes you are able to spare, A bit of my mind I intend to lay bare; Tho' with my way of thinking you'll p'raps not agree, I'll tell you a few things I don't like to see. I don't like to see vulgar girls in the town Pull their clothes up, and stand to be goosed for a crown; Nor a man with light trousers, of decency shorn, Stop and talk to young ladies while having the horn. I don't like to see women wear dirty smocks, Nor a boy of fifteen laid' up with the pox; And I don't like to see, it's a fact by my life— A married man grinding another man's wife. Nor I don't like to see - you'll not doubt it, I beg, A large linseed poultice slip down a man's leg; Nor a gray-headed sinner that's fond of a find. When a girl under twelve he is able to grind. In church, too, believe me, I don't like to see A chap grope a girl while she sits on his knee; Nor a lady whose visage is allover scabs, Nor a young married lady troubled with crabs. Nor I don't like to see, through it's really a lark, A clergyman poking a girl in the park; Nor a young lady, wishing to be thought discreet, Looking in print-shops in Holywell Street. I don't like to see, coming out of Cremorne, A girl with her muslin much crumpled and torn;””

Anonymous

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker lists many immoral or indecent behaviors he finds objectionable, emphasizing personal moral standards and social criticism.

In simple terms: He condemns various indecent and immoral acts he observes.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on personal moral boundaries.

Themes

morality social criticism decency hypocrisy satire

Mood

critical reflective disapproving

Type

observational satirical moralistic

When to use this quote

  • public commentary
  • social reform
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

Victorian values public propriety sexual ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What behaviors do you find unacceptable today?
  • How do personal morals shape public criticism?
A Different Perspective

The poem may reflect personal bias and may not represent broader societal norms.

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