And almost hugged him in your arms to death—

Such a base system I pronounce humbugging;

Don’t call it fighting, Caunt, I call it hugging,

And if bold Brassey with that game you tease,

The bear may soon be minus of his grease,

And for a practice cowardly as foul,

Receive a lesson that may make him growl.

But bounce I bar—​plain dealing is my plan,

And in the ring I’ll meet you man to man,

And do, most certainly, the best I can.