MR. ASSHETON SMITH 99 



They eat like hunters, frequent bumpers drain, 



Of flavoured claret and of brisk champagne. 



Flushed with the grape, like Persia's prince grown vain, 



They thrice each bullfinch charge, and thrice "they slay the slain " 



Where Smith would draw, what lengths with freshmen go, 



To break them into service passing show ! 



"Saddle White Surrey for the field to-morrow." 



But ah ! unlooked for, to their spleen and sorrow, 



The next day " comes a frost, a killing frost," 



All's at a stand, and all their pleasure crossed. 



To town some scamper, and the odds are even, 



Who first get seats in Chapel of St. Stephen, 



To do their duty there, State flaws detect, 



Invent new laws, and trespasses correct ; 



The frost now gone, they're down again in mind, 



And motion quicker than the verging wind. 



To sober whist, some soberly betake, 



Though deep the rubber, deeper yet the stake, 



Fixed as stanch pointers to a practised set, 



Well read in Hoyle, on every deal who bet ; 



And cards played out, what a confused din 



Of blame, or praise, as the sets lose or win ! 



" You played the Knave, you might have played the Deuce." 



"You drew and forced my Queen." — "Pray, spare abuse."- 



"You cut my hand to pieces, threw away 



Your highest diamond, and you call this Play ? " — 



" There a cool fifty goes ! Before we part, 



Take my advice, get Bob Short's rules by heart." 



So oft began the midnight conversation, 



So closed as oft in mutual altercation. 



But now a scene how brilliant hath ta'en place, 



Where beauty, elegance, and softest grace, 



Of highest female rank — resistless can 



Charm and control that lawless creature, man; 



Improve his morals, harmonise his heart, 



And tenderness to fortitude impart ! 



School of Politeness, be our club hence named, 



For kindest conjugal attention famed, 



Each well deserving that pure bliss of life, 



The sweet endearments of a lovely wife; 



Be Benedict of Beatrice possessed, 



