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.

Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.

Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.

Moche Crye and no Wull.

Moche Crye and no Wull.

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

The coast was clear.

The coast was clear.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

Make ducks and drakes with shillings.

Make ducks and drakes with shillings.

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.]

To give importance to trifling matters.

To give importance to trifling matters.