Classic and Contemporary Poetry
GAMBLING, by ROYALL TYLER Poet's Biography First Line: Of every vice pursued by those Last Line: But sorrow and repentance. Alternate Author Name(s): Old Simon; S. Subject(s): Gambling; Wagering; Betting | ||||||||
OF every vice pursued by those In folly's by-paths rambling, There's none so bad in its dread close, As the vile vice of gambling. It taints our morals, wastes our time And fills us with vexation. Destroys our wealth and youthful prime, And mars our reputation. Yet I'll aver, with my own eyes, And I am not called stupid, I caught sweet Fanny by surprise A gambling with young Cupid! Beneath the silent moon's soft beams In fragrant flowery arbor, That noted gambling house it seems, Where players love to harbor. The cunning god and simple fair, Sat down to play at leisure And staked such sums as might impair A mighty monarch's treasure. And first they played for locks of hair And Fanny won the game. Then cheeks and lips & skin so fair Her luck was all the same. Vex'd by the maid to be outdone Then Cupid made a high bet, Stak'd all his smiles -- a mighty sum With dimples for a by-bet. But still she won, & Cupid crost Made dreadful sad grimaces, Not only his own smiles he lost, But all his mother's graces. Proud Fanny's air and looks and eyes Of victory gave token, Her winnings seemed a noble prize, A bank not to be broken. Beware sweet girl and go no more To midnight arbors rambling, But think how soon you may deplore, The dreadful end of gambling. Sly Cupid has but played the knave, And let you come off winner; This is the way all gamblers have, With every new beginner. Some sharper soon will with you sport, By Cupid's malice sent hence, Win all your winnings and leave naught, But sorrow and repentance. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TEN MILLS: IN DIVES' DIVE by ROBERT FROST LONGSHOT BLUES by KENNETH FEARING PLAIN LANGUAGE FROM TRUTHFUL JAMES by FRANCIS BRET HARTE THE CASE OF ALBERT IRVING WILLIAMSON by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS THE PIKER'S RUBAIYAT by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS INDEPENDENCE DAY by ROYALL TYLER |
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