H. Cholmondeley-Pennell.
This excellent parody has appeared in numerous editions of Puck on Pegasus (published by Chatto and Windus, London), it is here given by special permission, and with corrections and additions recently made by the author.
The desperate fight it describes took place at Farnborough on April 17, 1860. Tom Sayers, the Champion of England, stood only about 5 feet 8 inches high, whilst John Heenan, the “Benicia Boy” was upwards of 6 feet in height. Both men showed great courage and endurance, but Sayers displayed the most science, and had not the fight been interrupted, he would, in all probability, have been victorious, as Heenan’s eyes were fast closing up from the punishment he had received. As the fight was a draw, a silver belt was afterwards presented to each of the men. Punch also had a very long parody on the subject, from which a few verses may be quoted.
The Fight of Sayerius and Heenanus.
A Lay of Ancient London.
(Supposed to be recounted to his Great Grand-Children,
April 17th, A.D. 1920, by an Ancient Gladiator.)
Close round my chair, my children,
And gather at my knee,
The while your mother poureth
The Old Tom in my tea;