Редьярд Джозеф Киплинг
An Almanac of Twelve Sports
Coursing
Most men harry the world for fun —
Each man seeks it a different way
But "of all daft devils under the sun
A grey'ound's the daftest" said Jorrocks J.
February.
Racing
The horse is ridden – the jockey rides —
The backers back – the owners own
But … there are lots of things besides,
And I should leave this play alone.
March.
Boating
The Pope of Rome he could not win
From pleasant meat and pleasant sin
These who, in honour's hope, endure
Lean days and lives enforced pure.
These who, replying not, submit
Unto the curses of the Pit
Which he that rides (O greater shame!)
Flings forth by number not by name…
Could Triple Crown or Jesuit's oath
Do what yon shuffle-stocking doth?
