THE PHILOSOPHY OF WHIST.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1095, 5 August 1873, Page 3

THE PHILOSOPHY OF WHIST.

The road of life is but a game, Where some athiret for power and fame, And some for pleasure feel; But every player does not win, Although he fairly may begin, And make a proper deal. Some men assume the part of trade, Some turn the soil with active spade, While some to wealth incline ; And, making into earth their way, Bring up, before the light of day, The diamond of the mine. In clubs some take an active part, While some the dictates of the heart With eager zeal pursue, And, given to wine, their ruin prove, Or, trusting else in faithless love, Their disappointment rue. All have their different parts assigned, And ranks throughout the world we find, 'Mid people red and black ; Each on the one below him leans— Some rise aloft to kings.and queens, Some sink to humble Jack. But, whether stationed high or low, He who his honest heart can know Free from reproving thumps, E'en though he owns no house nor lands, That man in native glory Stands, The very ace of trumps. Some men will shuffle through their day Unmindful how their partners play, Unmoved they seem to stand ; And throw their cards with a most bold And tranquil face—although they hold A miserable hand. The daring spirits take the lead, While those that in the game succeed Seem bound to follow suit; Such play the very deuce at last, Their fortune, character, they blast, And reap the bitter fruit. How oft, alas ! it is the fate Of jarring comrades, wise too late, To play a luckless club ; And sadly find out at the last (The time for meditation past), That hearts have gained the rub. By honor some their fortunes win, And some by trick, nor deem it sin To profit as they may ; But time will oft the wretoh expose To merited contempt, who chose Dishonorable play. 'Tis only he who, void of guile, Knows that he has a right to smile And tells his heart the same; 'Tis only he, when fate shall close His pack of checkered joys and woes, Has fairly won the game.