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A LEGEND OF THE QUOEN COUNTEIE. 



"When, careful of his goods or spouse, 



A strong man armed doth keep his house, 



It may be termed for him a bore 



To find a stronger at his door, 



Who binds the strong man at his ease. 



Pockets his cash and all he sees ; 



And tho' he does not take his life 



Is far from civil to his wife. 



The ex-strong man looks on the while 



Without the least desire to smile ; 



At least, I take it such would be 



The case, did such things chance with me. 



There lived — I do not deal with dates — 

 A champion * of the heavy weights. 

 Who over Leicestershire had done 

 Great things in spite of sixteen stone ; 

 Eor many years had been admired 

 Eor going when the rest were tired ; 

 Who fear'd no timber, liked a brook, 

 Could calmly at a bullfinch look. 

 And thought himself in all his glory 

 Just at the period of my story. 



But often when we feel most sure 

 We're apt to be the least secure. 

 And Gilmour, happy and content. 

 With long established precedent, 

 By all men honoured and respected, 

 Was rivall'd when he least expected. 



• Mr. Little Gilmour. 



