Philosophy
’Tis sometimes Fortune’s little joke
With vinegar to brim the cup;
And on the grass this fickle Lass
Makes pennies come the wrong side up.
But though a Head instead of Tail
Is sure to greet my anxious call,
’Tis better to have tossed,
And lost,
Than never to have tossed at all.
To do our best in spite of luck,
To stop or gallop for the drive,
To seek our fun in bronzing sun,
Shall cause both head and heart to thrive.
And though the penny’s face I choose
That next the turf is bound to fall,
’Tis better to have tossed,
And lost,
Than never to have tossed at all.
For though we field the whole day long
Hope’s spark refuses to expire;
A wily lob’s successful job
At once renews the slackening fire.
Be Spartan, then! Crave not to flirt
With Tennis and her female ball!
’Tis better to have tossed,
And lost,
Than never to have tossed at all.