A goodly party is twenty-four,
There may be less, and there may be more;
Twelve ladies fine you first invite,
And twelve gentlemen to spend the night.
The tables now you arrange and fix,
And number them plainly one to six,
A pack of clean cards on each you lay,
All ready for the approaching fray.
Use thirty-two cards, be uniform,
And in conduct to the rules conform;
Your table number is fixed by chance,
And good order will the fun enhance.
By lot their partners gentlemen choose,
And then kindly treat them, win or lose,
Present your left arm with smiles and grace,
And escort your lady to her place.
On the first table place a small bell,
And when all are ready ring it well,
The ladies now cut for woe or weal,
And the lowest card takes the first deal.
Shuffle them well, let right neighbor cut,
Fair play’s a jewel, truth’s eyes are shut,
Deal three cards to each the first time round,
Then two the next time, that’s fair and sound.
Turn up the trump so all can see it,
Those at left in turn, pass or play it;
When the trump is named be sharp and still,
Do not underrate your neighbor’s skill.
Remember this is honest euchre,
And played for sport, not filthy lucre,
No true gentleman, or lady sweet,
Will play unfair, or stoop to cheat.
The right is boss, the left’s his brother,
And the good old ace a kindly mother,
The king comes next, now king indeed,
And even the queen you often need.
Jack is a knave, make the best of him,
And when not bower all detest him;
But there are times when jack is master,
And then his foes meet with disaster.