Richard Fowler – a Sonnet by Angela Cheveau

Dear ma, I was never ‘dismissed’ from school But I chose to leave of my own accord. I left because my master was a fool And being so clever, I was just bored. I am not some lowly ballard master, Not I, I am destined for greater things. To stay there would have been a disaster You should hear me when I’m singing me hymns. I was born to a desk of polished oak, Not some half-rat nanty narking about. I will one day wear a thick velvet cloak. I am a better man than Nathan Sprout. The master bowed to me, ma, when I left, Wept tears of sadness, the school left.

Silhouette of Richard Fowler, 1822. This was one of 31 portraits of Blue Coat boys by Gerard Ebenezer, image courtesy of Liverpool Record Office 27