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1862–1942

BOMBASTES

Norman Gale

In dazzling pads Bombastes went To give the bowling Beans; He stalked along in sweet content, Triumphant in his‘ teens.

He launched his muscle at a Slow, But heard the timber clink; Bombastes homeward sped and said, ‘ Whatever do you think?

Bowled by a beastly lob, confound it! Jumped in too far and hit all round it! Easy enough to now expound it — Bowled by a beastly lob!’

At luncheon-time Bombastes swore, By oaths not one, nor twain, That he would make the fielders sore When he went in again!

A second time the hero strode With Allsopp in his head; Bombastes missed the first; he cursed Consumedly, and said —

‘ Bowled by a beastly lob, confound it! Jumped in too far and hit all round it! Easy enough to now expound it — Bowled by a beastly lob!’

May ev'ry braggart talking big Secure the Double Duck! By Roman grape and Grecian fig I wish him dirty luck!

May underhanded artfulness Precipitate his end, His only comfort be, at tea, To moan before a friend —

‘ Bowled by a beastly lob, confound it! Jumped in too far and hit all round it! Easy enough to now expound it — Bowled by a beastly lob!’

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BOMBASTES · Norman Gale · Poetry Cove