The Cricketer.
There’s a game that bears a well-known name, in castle, hall, and cot,
’Tis the first in boyhood’s happy years, in this our island plot.
The stripling thinks himself a man, when once he owns a bat;
A flush beams on his youthful brow when comrades vote for that.
’Tis a noble game, deny it who can!
The pride of a fine young Englishman!
’Tis, &c.
It nurtures a deep and lasting love for manly deeds and true,