And, on the crimson hearthrug scoring,

Through Fancy's slips he cuts the ball,

Or lifts her over Fancy's wall,

Till all the ghostly ring is roaring!

And when at length the day is near

For Death to bowl the Major's wicket,

(The Major swears he has no fear

That Paradise is short of cricket!)

If in the time of pad and crease

His soul receives its last advices,