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[Illustration: POETRY COMMISSION-AGENTS FINDING A BACKER.
_Lord Giandeville_ Mr. VANE-TEMPEST.
_Brabazon Todd_ Mr. HENRY WENMAN.
_Richard Gilder_ Mr. CHARLES HAWTREY.]
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_ARGUMENTUM AD FEMINAM._
Once, unless the tale's a myth,
Chloe danced mid rustic song
Indefatigably with
Amorous Damon all day long.
This was all the joy she knew
(Quite enough, no doubt), and yet,
Phyllis, when _you_ gambol, _you_
Rather gamble at roulette.
Simple 'twas in suchlike days
Wooing Chloe. Now, alas,
_You_'ve no taste for simple ways,
Much prefer green baize to grass.
Fled your interest in swains;
Nothing for my sighs you care;
All your joy is little trains,
Oddly dubbed "chemin de fer."
Phyllis, if your fixed intent
Is that you forsake the dance,
Quit Arcadian merriment
For exciting games of chance,
I've the best of 'em by heaps:
Come with me, my dear, and call
At the Registrar's; he keeps
One big gamble worth them all.
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