Firm and secure on India's coral strand.
Oft have I seen upon the level sward
That's owned, or used to be, by Mr. Lord,
While countless thousands, watching ball and bat
Rang out loud cheers and waved th' applausive hat,
Oft have I seen that cricketer or this
Bat, bowl, or field, or catch (or even miss),
And oft, astounded by some piece of play,
Have marked with letters red th' auspicious day;
Yet ne'er before three heroes have I seen