Knowing well that with moves good or bad

The end will be always the same.

I know I must lose; but I play

Just the same as tho’ I might win,

And laugh, and make merry over good plays,

And over the bad ones I grin.

My opponent surrounds me about,

A dumb and inscrutable IT;

Without joy or pain at my losses or gain,

Making exact counter moves that all fit.