SCENE—The St. Stephen's Stables. Stall of the Favourite, "Majority," who is being inspected by the great "Vet." (S-L-SB-RY) in presence of the Groom (B-LF-R), and the Stable-help (CH-PL-N).
Stable-help (anxiously). Why, he used to be a stunner, and a safe and steady runner,
And we trusted him, most confident, for landing us the Stakes.
Now, what can the cause of this be? He's a-looking queer and quisby;
And his off fore leg seems shaky, and the rest ain't no great shakes.
Groom (sharply). Not too much of it, you HARRY! You are here to fetch and carry,
And not to pass opinions in the presence of the Vet.
But he does look dicky, Mister; I've tried bolus, I've tried blister,
But I haven't got him up to his old form by chalks, Sir, yet!
Vet. (dubiously). You're a bit new at the "biz.," lad, and I tell you what it is, lad,—