James Dance

“ Ambitious Kent within an Ace had lost;
The mounting Ball, again obliquely driv'n,
Cuts the pure Æther, soaring up to Heav'n.
W——k was ready; W——k, all must own,
As sure a Swain to catch as e'er was known;
Yet, whether Jove, and all-compelling Fate,
In their high Will determin'd Kent should beat;
Or the lamented Youth too much rely'd
On sure Success, and Fortune often try'd. ”

“ KENT vs ENGLAND
June 18, 1744.
James Love
Book I
THE ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK.—The Subject. Address to the Patron of Cricket. A Description at the Pleasures felt at the Approach of the proper Season for Cricket, and the Preparations for it. A Comparison between this game and others, particularly Billiards, Bowls and Tennis. Exhortation to Britain to leave all meaner sports, and cultivate Cricket only, as most adapted to the Freedom and Hardiness of its Constitution. The Counties most famous for Cricket are describ'd, as vying with another for Excellency. ”

“ Five on the Side of the counties are out for three Notches. The Odds run high on the Side of Kent. Bryan and Newland go in; they help the Game greatly. Bryan is unfortunately put out by Kips. Kent, The first Innings, is Thirteen a-head. The Counties go in again, and get fifty-seven a-head. Kent, in the Second Innings, is very near losing, the two last men being in. Weymark unhappily misses a catch, and by that means Kent is victorious. ”

“ Swift as the Falcon, darting on its Prey,
He springs elastick o'er the verdant Way;
Sure of Success, flies upward with a Bound,
Derides the slow Approach, and spurns the Ground.
⁠The Counties now the Game triumphant lead,
And vaunt their Numbers fifty-seven a Head.
⁠To end th' immortal Honours of the Day
The Chiefs of Kent, once more, their Might essay ”

“ While the firm Limb, and strong brac'd Nerve are thine.
Scorn Eunuch Sports; to manlier Games incline;
Feed on the Joys that Health and Vigour give;
Where Freedom reigns, 'tis worth the while to live. ”

“ Bromlean M——s attends the Kentish Throng;
And R——n from his Size, surnam'd the Long.
Six more, as ancient Custom has thought meet,
With willing Steps, th' intrepid Band compleat.
On th' adverse Party, tow'rin o'er the rest,
Left-handed N——d dires each arduous Breast.
From many a bounteous Crop, the foodful Grain
With swilling Stores rewards his useful Pain:
While the glad Farmer, with delighted Eyes,
Smiles to behold his close-cram'd Gran'ries rise. ”

“ The particular Qualifications and Excellencies of each Player. The Counties go in.
⁠And now the sons of Kent immortal grown,
By a long Series of acquir'd Renown,
Smile at each weak Attempt to shake their Fame ”