Francis Thompson

“ The champion of the centuries, he cometh up against thee, With his brethren, everyone a famous foe! The long-whiskered Doctor, that laugheth the rules to scorn, While the bowler, pitched against him, bans the day he was born; And G.F. with his science makes the fairest length forlorn; They are come from the West to work thee woe! It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk, Though my own red roses there may blow; It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk, Though the red roses crest the caps, I know. ”