An' I thank my stars I took to Cricket
Seven-an'-fifty years ago!
The game's been missus an' kids to me, Sir—
Aye, an' a rare good girl she's been!
I met her first at my father's knee, Sir,
An' married her young on Richmond Green.
An' as she's proved so true a lover,
Never inclined to scratch or scold,
When the long day's fun at last is over,
I'll love her still in the churchyard cold!