How then,—when Dummy calmly Lays down Four!

     To Them the Heart Convention did I show,

     And with Mine Own Hand tried to make it go.

     =But this is all the Wisdom that I reaped,—

     "With more than Three Hearts, always lead the Low!"

     For, Trump or No=Trump, though with all the Rules,

     Of different Masters and of different Schools,

     =I've played with Players of all Sorts,—but I

     Have never beaten anything,—but Fools!

     Indeed, indeed—to Quit It oft Before

     I swore,—but did I mean it when I swore?

     =And then,—and then came Three, and, Cards in Hand,

     I Joined them, and they made me keep the Score!

     Alas, how Subtle Bridge alluring Woos!

     And robs me of my Nightly Beauty=Snooze.

     =I often Wonder what Bridge Players gain

     One=half so Precious as the Sleep they Lose.

     Oh, Threats of Loss, and Hopes of Golden Store,

     One thing in Bridge is Certain,—'tis not Lore!

     =One thing is Certain, and the Rest is Chance:

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