And you have thriftily declared a Spade!

     Myself, when Young, did eagerly Frequent

     Bridge Tournaments, and heard Great Argument

     =About this Point and That. Yet, after all,

     Came out no Better Player than I went.

     For I remember stopping by the Way

     To watch Four Celebrated Champions play.

     =They Differed on the Discard, Make, and Lead.

     Whatever One Said,—Said The Others, "Nay!"

     Why, if a Soul can fling the Rules aside,

     And let his Card=Sense be his Only Guide,

     =Were't not a Shame, were't not a Shame for him

     By Street and Elwell tamely to abide?

     And if the Card you hopefully Finesse

     Capture the Trick,—your Partner Smiles! Oh yes!

     =And you smile Broadly! But, if it be Caught

     By the Fourth Hand,—your Smiles are somewhat Less!

     But if in Vain down on the Stubborn Score

     You gaze; and make it No Trumps, just once more,—

     =With Strength in Every Suit, but with No Ace,—

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