By Jove! it hadn't need come more,

Unless it wants to ruin me

Outright, and turn me out of door!

That horrid fit of gout, brought on

By neighbour Guzzle's Christmas cheer

I thought it would have kill'd me quite;

But Christmas comes but once a year.

I very seldom touch a card,

For gambling's not at all my sphere;

I wish I hadn't played last night!