The Cry of a City Clerk: Or: A Christmas Poem:

I KNEW, I knew it would not last –

'Twas hard, 'twas hopeful, but 'tis past.

Ah! ever thus, from boyhood's hour,

I've seen my fondest hopes decay.

I never trusted Jack Frost's power,

But Jack Frost did my trust betray.

I never bought a pair of skates

On Friday – I am in the law –

But, ere l started, with my mates

On Saturday, 'twas sure to thaw!

Now, too – the prospect seemed divine –

They skated yesterday, I knew,

And now, just as I 'm going to dine,

The sun comes out, the skies grow blue,

Ere we at Wimbledon can meet,

Those horrid gaps! – that treacherous sludge!

I shall not get one skimmer fleet!

After my long and sloppy trudge.

No go! One more lost Saturday!

To skating's joys I'm still a stranger.

I sit and curse the melting ray,

In which my hopes all melt away –

It means soft ice, chill slop, and –

“Danger!!!”