On Friday—I am in the law—

But, ere I started with my mates

On Saturday, 'twas sure to thaw!

Now, too—the prospect seemed divine—

They skated yesterday, I knew,

And now, just as I'm going to dine,

The sun comes out, the skies grow blue,

Ere we at Wimbledon can meet,

Those horrid gaps!—that treacherous sludge!

I shall not get one skimmer fleet.