Page:The Hambledon Men (1907).djvu/87

 Here's guarding and catching, and throwing and tossing, And bowling and striking, and running and crossing; Each mate must excel in some principal part The Pentathlum of Greece could not show so much art. Derry down, &c.

The parties are met, and array'd all in white Famed Elis ne'er boasted so pleasing a sight; Each nymph looks askew at her favourite swain, And views him, half stript, both with pleasure and pain. Derry down, &c.

The wickets are pitched now, and measured the ground; Then they form a large ring, and stand gazing around Since Ajax fought Hector, in sight of all Troy, No contest was seen with such fear and such joy. Derry down, &c.

Ye bowlers, take heed, to my precepts attend: On you the whole fate of the game must depend; Spare your vigour at first, now exert all your strength, But measure each step, and be sure pitch a length. Derry down, &c.

Ye fieldsmen, look sharp, lest your pains ye beguile; Move close like an army, in rank and in file; When the ball is returnee!, back it sure, for I trow Whole states have been ruined by one overthrow Derry down, &c.