University of Virginia Library


25

YE GAMBOLIER.

With Kings and Queens, as well as Knaves,
Ye Gambolier doth Deal;
He lives on Stakes, but doeth not
Aught for ye public Weal.
Full oft ye merrie Gambolier
In gay attire is seen;
Ye sportive cuss doth love to Play
And Gambol on ye Green.
He fain doth Cut, he loves ye Chips,
When he to balls doth go;
Ye Double Shuffle is for him,
Ye Break-down for his foe.
No storms appall ye Gambolier
For winds he doth not reck;
For he is ever on ye Seize,
And traveleth on ye Deck.
Ye Gambolier doth ever speak
Like Hamlet, by ye Card;
A soldier he who serveth not,
Save on ye Picquet-guard.
Ever ye swifter passeth he
Ye more he lags behind,
And eke more sharply doth he See
When he is Going Blind.
When Death doth Call, and rakes his Pile,
No panic doth he feel;
He shuffles off this mortal coil,
And cutteth for ye De'il.
John Hay.