He kicks a leather ball about;

Recalls old tales of wing and back,

The Villa's rush, the Rovers' rout;

Or lays a tanner to a pup

On Albion (not "perfidious") for the Cup.

He whistles down the day-long road,

And, when the chilly shadows fall

And heavier hangs the weary load,

Is he down-hearted? Not at all.

'Tis then he takes a light and airy