CHESHIRE JUMPERS 



HI 



" With Shakers and with Quakers no connection, 



Sir, have we ; 

 We are not Plymouth Brothers, Cheshire Jumpers 



though we be ; 

 'Tis mine between two champions bold to judge, if 



judge I can. 

 And settle which, o'er hedge and ditch, will prove 



the better man. 



IV 



" Mark well these two conditions, he who falls 



upon the field. 

 Or he whose horse refuses twice, the victory must 



yield." 

 As thus he spake he strok'd his beard, and bade the 



champions go ; 

 His beard was black as charcoal, but their faces 



white as snow. 



V 



The ladies wave their kerchiefs as the rival jumpers 



start, 

 A smile of such encouragement might nerve the 



faintest heart ; 

 The crowd that follow'd after with good wishes 



cheer'd them on, 

 Some cried, " Stick to it, Thomas ! " others shouted, 



" Go it, John ! " 



87 



