IN UTRUMQUE PARATUS.
27
No game was over yet worth a rap
For a rational man to play,
Into which no accident, no mishap,
Could possibly find its way.
For a rational man to play,
Into which no accident, no mishap,
Could possibly find its way.
If you hold the willow, a shooter from Wills
May transform you into a hopper,
And the football meadow is rife with spills,
If you feel disposed for a cropper;
In a rattling gallop with hound and horse.
You may chance to reverse the medal
On the sward with the saddle your loins across,
And your hunter's loins on the saddle;
In the stubbles you'll find it hard to frame
A remonstrance firm, yet civil,
When oft as “our mutual friend” takes aim,
Long odds may be laid on the rising game,
And against your gaiters level;
There's danger even where fish are caught
To those who a wetting fear:
For what's worth having must aye be bought,
And sport's like life, and life's like sport,
“It ain't all skittles and beer,”
May transform you into a hopper,
And the football meadow is rife with spills,
If you feel disposed for a cropper;
In a rattling gallop with hound and horse.
You may chance to reverse the medal
On the sward with the saddle your loins across,
And your hunter's loins on the saddle;
In the stubbles you'll find it hard to frame
A remonstrance firm, yet civil,
When oft as “our mutual friend” takes aim,
Long odds may be laid on the rising game,
And against your gaiters level;
There's danger even where fish are caught
To those who a wetting fear:
For what's worth having must aye be bought,
And sport's like life, and life's like sport,
“It ain't all skittles and beer,”
The honey bag lies close to the sting,
The rose is fenced by the thorn,
The rose is fenced by the thorn,
