Poem by Norman Rowland Gale

Philosophy

  'Tis sometimes Fortune's little joke
    With vinegar to brim the cup;
  And on the grass this fickle Lass
    Makes pennies come the wrong side up.
  But though a Head instead of Tail
    Is sure to greet my anxious call,
  'Tis better to have tossed,
    And lost,
  Than never to have tossed at all.

  To do our best in spite of luck,
    To stop or gallop for the drive,
  To seek our fun in bronzing sun,
    Shall cause both head and heart to thrive.
  And though the penny's face I choose
    That next the turf is bound to fall,
  'Tis better to have tossed,
    And lost,
  Than never to have tossed at all.

  For though we field the whole day long
    Hope's spark refuses to expire;
  A wily lob's successful job
    At once renews the slackening fire.
  Be Spartan, then! Crave not to flirt
    With Tennis and her female ball!
  'Tis better to have tossed,
    And lost,
  Than never to have tossed at all.

1. The Church Cricketant
2. Five Years After
3. Cricket and Cupid
4. The Tutor's Lament
5. Up at Lords

Ella Wilcox Philosophy ("At morn the wise man walked abroad")

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