Page:Blackwood's Magazine volume 046.djvu/629

1839.] But, like other true lovers in trouble, he thought
 * That his case was as bad as could be;

So he said, "Though this greeting I dare not have sought, Since it happens I here am by accident brought,
 * I should like this queer speaker to see."

Then he went round the corner, and found an old man,
 * With lean legs and an odd pinched-up face,

Who, without any preface, thus oddly began— "Folks are never contented, do all that one can;
 * And, Beau Billy, I well know thy case.

"Thou would'st thrash all thy rivals, and others perhaps:
 * Well—no matter, I'll give thee this stick;

But observe, what to thee will appear gentle raps,
 * Will prove knock-me-down to those great boasting chaps,
 * So don't strike them too hard nor too quick."

Billy doubtingly smiled, and the odd old man frown'd,
 * And cried, "Eh! then thou'rt hard to convince?

Well—take that!" and away Billy flew with a bound, And head over heels tumbled down on the ground,
 * While the pain from the blow made him wince.

Then the lean-legg'd old man danced and laugh'd in high glee,
 * And said, "Now then my word thou'lt not doubt;

So remember, no man, howsoe'er strong he be, Can resist this prime twig which I now throw to thee.
 * There!—be off and mind what thou'rt about."

Though the stick was thrown gently, Bill fancied his head
 * Had been hit by a ponderous stone;

For his eyes flash'd with sparks, his brain reel'd, his nose bled, And down tumbling again, he lay long like one dead,
 * Then awoke and rose up all alone.

He then scratch'd his dull pate, in bewilderment lost,
 * And exclaim'd, "I've been dreaming, I fear!

No; I ha'n't! Here's the queer stick that queer old chap tost, And he certainly thrash'd me, I feel to my cost,
 * And has made me a conjurer—that's clear.

"Well, if all that he told me should prove to be true,"
 * Here he giggled with clownish delight,

"Thumping Robin, strong Tim, and tall Harry shall rue The next challenge they offer to me before Sue,
 * And I hope I may meet them to-night."

Thus resolving, he ventured to take up the stick,
 * Which was wondrously handy to wield;

As he flourished it gaily, it flew round so quick, He felt perfectly sure he could easily lick
 * All competitors out of the field.

So that day he dress'd gaily, his hat cock'd aside,
 * And conceitedly strutted about

Till the evening, and then to Sue's cottage he hied, And had nearly approached it, when Harry he spied—
 * A rival, tall, bony, and stout.