by J.A.S.
Originally published in Tinsley's Magazine (Tinsley Bros.) vol.2 #9 (Apr 1868).
She sits there expectant to watch the beginning—
Her lightness of spirits half dashed by the 'blues'—
With cheers in her heart for the crew who are winning,
Whilst tears fill her eyes for the ones who must lose.
If you'll narrowly watch 'midst the noise and contention,
You'll note, as her Arab paws proudly the dust,
A deftly-twined bouquet of speedwell and gentian
'Neath her little white collar half carelessly thrust!
The tint of a night in the still summer weather
Her tight-fitting habit just serves to unfold,
Whilst delicate cuffs are scarce fastened together
By dainty-wrought fetters of turquoise and gold.
Ah, climax of sweet girlish neutral devices!
What smiles for the winners, for losers what sighs!—
She has twined her fair hair with the colours of Isis,
Whilst those of the Cam glitter bright in her eyes.