 | Sonnets and Other Small Poems |  |
84
ON A CLERICAL GAMESTER.
What, can he be a teacher of moral regardsWho reads us a Sunday-night lecture on cards?
Who cites “Hoyle on Whist” both in chapter and verse,
With the orthodox chances of silling a purse?
Tells of eighty odd pounds, in a family way,
He won at a sitting—by dint of mere play!
Counted thirteen by cards, in revokes and in tricks,
And ne'er flinch'd all the evening from seven to six;
But took odds on each point his opponent could name,
And call'd this improvement, I think, on the game.
O! if such be a Priest whom promotion delights,
Ordain him Arch-Deacon of Weltje's and White's.
| Sonnets and Other Small Poems | |