When George and Cumming strain from end to end

Of the long cinder-path in panting speed;

When wheelmen swift alternate lag and lead;

When white-plumed yachts spread emulative wings

To the salt wind that through the cordage sings;

When Notts and Surrey fight for pride of place,

Or the ring cheers the "many-centuried" Grace.

Bound by his betting-book, the cynic churl—

With coarse-gemmed hands and greasy frontal curl,

When fortune smiles, or frowsy when she frowns