“Five hundred pounds as stake I'll lay,”
Says Hampden, “that by such a day
No man of science proves to me
That earth not flat but round must be;
The earth is flat, and flats are they.”
The sum Walsh holds right willingly;
But Wallace by philosophy
Proves roundness, and would take away
Five hundred pounds.
“Proof me no proofs,” quoth Hampden, “Nay,
Let Wallace get it if he may,
I'll sue Walsh for it.” So sues he.
“Let Wallace,” hold the judges three,
“Take nought, let Walsh to Hampden pay
Five hundred pounds.”