The Life of Fred Archer 141 
In the lists appears a champion, with a bright untarnished 
shield, 
And a massive weight of armour — Aintree's hero in the field. 
There's a foeman to oppose him, who is first upon the scroll 
Of the last great " City's " record — true and gallant game 
Parole ; 
Westbourne's ready to confront him in the mighty Kingsclere's 
cause, 
While a host of other champions meet with partisan's applause. 
One-and-twenty steeds are prancing, eager for the coming 
fray ! 
Rider knights are now preparing skiU and courage to display. 
Now McGeorge has placed his forces — now his signal bids them 
speed. 
But too eager is our hero, in the fight he's first to lead ; 
Soon his gallant knight has checked him, guides him with 
unerring hand 
Through the ranks of straggling warriors, for a final effort 
grand. 
Numbers in the field are yielding, as they now descend the 
hiU, 
Till the son of brave Lord Ronald finds a match in Leoville. 
Lake's and Archer's skill is vieing, but a Naylor's hopes have 
fled, 
While the banner borne by Master for Lord Hastings gleams 
ahead. 
" That time when Archer won the City and Suburban." 
said an old friend of Archer's, " I went with Archer and 
several others back to London and spent part of the evening 
with them at the Golden Cross Hotel, by Charing Cross 
station. I said to Archer : ' I have to get home ; do you know 
of anything for Sandown to-morrow ? ' Fred said : ' I should 
back Vegetarian.' Now, Cradle was a hot favourite at one to 
