Читать книгу The Lazy Minstrel - Ashby-Sterry Joseph - Страница 24

O BRING me, O bring me, my stout mackintosh,

I care not a feather for slime or for slosh!

The sky it is leaden, the lawn sopping wet,

And sodden the balls are, and slack is the net!

I've done it before and I'll do it again,

I'll play at Lawn-Tennis in spite of the rain!

I'll don my sou'-wester, then what do I care

If weather be foul or if weather be fair?

I'll put on my furs, and I'll shorten my clothes,

I'll wear my galoshes and thick woollen hose:

I care not a pin for the storm or the flood,

I'll play at Lawn-Tennis in spite of the mud!

I laugh as the hailstones come pattering down,

I'm spattered all over from sole unto crown!

In thunder and lightning I'll play all the same —

I won't be debarred from my favourite game!

Though weak-hearted lasses may quiver and quail,

I'll play at Lawn-Tennis in spite of the hail!

In summer 'tis pleasant, but you ought to know

'Tis capital fun in the winter also:

When nets are all frozen and balls can't rebound,

When chilly the air is and snow's on the ground!

Though lazy folks shiver, and say 'tis "no go,"

I'll play at Lawn-Tennis in spite of the snow!

What pleasure can equal, what exercise vies

This winter Lawn-Tennis, with snow in your eyes?

You trip and you tumble, you glance and you glide,

You totter and stumble, you slip and you slide!

With two ancient racquets strapped fast to my feet,

I'll play at Lawn-Tennis in spite of the sleet!

In autumn, as well as in summer or spring,

In praise of Lawn-Tennis I heartily sing!

Though good at each season, and better each time,

I'm certain in winter the game's in its prime!

You doubt it? No matter! Whate'er may befall,

I'll play at Lawn-Tennis in spite of you all!