Ladies Express.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 947, 28 May 1881, Page 2 (Supplement)

Ladies Express.

A GAME OF CHESS. She asked me could I play at Chess ?- I told, in glibly answering yes, A falsehood wilful. I knew the moves and nothing more, And at that game of mimic war Was most unskilful. Then, why upon a game so bent ? Because I think Chess tournament Is love’s dominion. No gairfe secures a tete-a-tete So costly—at any rate That’s my opinion! I fetched the Chess-men, and with care I placed our seats behind the chair Of Ethel’s auntie. Not that she would have watched the board, For soon the dear old lady snored A soft Andante. The troops I marshalled for the fight, I placed them wrong—she set them right, With silver laughter We fiercely met, with weapons drawn, Thirsting for blood. She moved a pawn, And I one after. Her hazel eyes, so soft and true Her generals were—they pierced me through, And held me captured With fetters forged of sunny hair — More than content such chains to bear, Rojoiced, enraptured! Her fingers were her officers ; Ten rosebuds that had won their spurs In chess-board battle. Her red lips were her bugle-men ; How could I think of tactics, when They chose to prattle ? I played an idiotic game. “ You move,” she said, “ without an aim I You’re very stupid ! ” Her Chess-men stood in full array, Whilst mine had melted all away, Betrayed by Cupid. Beside her lay my knights and castles, My bishops, queen and all her vassals; My king was fated. “ Ethel,” I cried, “ I won’t be checked Unless you say you don’t object To both being mated.”