A NORTHCOTE IDYL (WITH AIL ITS IMPERFECTIONS ON ITS HEAD)

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 230, 7 February 1885, Page 6

A NORTHCOTE IDYL (WITH AIL ITS IMPERFECTIONS ON ITS HEAD)

(Written" for the " Observer.")

Two racing- men from Northcote hail, Who weather every storm and gale Upon the course at Ellerslie; They often have a jolly spree. On 2\ T ew Year's Day they did arrive, With horse and buggy there did drive. " Along the mad your horses hould !" Were their exclamations, I am toiald ; Through sweeps and bets, and swindles tco, They cleared each a pound or two. "I tould ye," you would hear them say, " Welcome Jack can lead the way." With Teacher's whisky and Hancock's beer They certainly enjoyed the sphere Of life, in which that they were placed, And watched the horses as they raced. When the return was set aboutPoor Patsy he had got so stout ; He could no longer sit erect, But on his back he did direct. "Why, the devil take you!" P. would say ; " Don't you see you're going quite astray ? ■ As sure as need be now it's true This buggy was only made for two ; But now with Jagger, you and I, To pack us here, you I'll defy." "Be quiet !" Taylor soothingly said. " Of Mr Teacher I'm alraid. Least he should come to take his place, And mark our conduct with disgrace, For the next time we come back again We must have one larger, that is plain; * At length they arrived safe at home, But Jagger's beer can make them groan. Good Templars now they're sworn to be When next they go to Ellerslie.

Moral. And next time when they laugh and jeer, They'll take a glass of Jagger's beer.