Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.

Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.

To swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

To swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

To say that which is instructive and also pleasing.

To say that which is instructive and also pleasing.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

By all that's good and glorious.

By all that's good and glorious.

A flea in his ear.

A flea in his ear.

The fat's all in the fire.

The fat's all in the fire.

Diamonds cut diamonds.

Diamonds cut diamonds.

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]