Makes choice of goal to guard and fend;
The while his foe ’mid joyous cry
First drives the aëry ball on high.
Now listen to the merry din,
And see the much-loved sport begin.
The ball swift travels through the air,
Now here, now there, and everywhere,
Now sailing on with lofty bound,
Now creeping slowly o’er the ground.
The players now, an eager crew,