The little cards you should not despise,
For they sometimes help to win the prize;
Watch sharply the game and win with suit,
Whenever you can fairly do it.
Three tricks count one point, a march counts two,
And euchre counts the same for you;
When you are sure to make one or more,
Play it alone and try to make four.
When five points are made at table one,
That ends one game and then all are done;
The winners go one table higher,
But those that lose go to the lower.
All change partners and the game proceeds,
And the manager records your deeds,
These frequent changes as you advance,
Give the poorer players a fair chance.
’Tis not a game for spoils or treasure,
But a social game just for pleasure,
And if by good luck one wins the day,
Don’t condemn the man nor spurn the play.
Three hour’s play is plenty long enough,
For the feeble ones and for the tough,
When the time has expired look and see,
Who the best players have proved to be.
To the first lady give a small prize,
And the first gentleman treat likewise,
A second prize is by some awarded,
The booby prize should be discarded.
A simple lunch is now provided
By hosts who may have so decided;
But refreshments are not in the game,
And all are free to omit the same.
Now put on your hats and bid adieu
To the gen’rous host that welcomed you,
Favors accepted you may have learned,
Should at the proper time be returned.
With happy hearts now seek your own hearth,
And kindly feel towards all on earth,
Remembering to always treasure
The game that brings you health and pleasure.