! Dirty Love* (Hannah Cullwick & Arthur Munby) Poem by Original Unknown Girl

Oh, I would lick your boots sweet Sir!
Having toiled the whole day through
Whilst sweat would mingle in my hair
I know it’s this that does for you
A hundred pairs of boots I’ve cleaned
And several chimneys brushed and swept
But never more than this for you
As in your heart this secret kept
I’ll wear this collar about my neck
So you can take me by the chain
For what is this but enslaved love?
You’d lead me to you yet again
I’ll black my face and dress like men
To do it for you yet again
All passion stoked, ardour aflame
Your love for me returned, no shame

* Inspired by the real-life love affair between Hannah Cullwick and Arthur Munby