Horatius at Bridge

BLEST were the days ere my Lydia grew
Peevish, rebellious, disparaging, spiteful;
North to my South, she was trusting and true;
Bridge was delightful.

That was ere Chloe, blandiloquent dame,
Buttered up Horace and moved him to flout me;
Loudly he praised and applauded my game,
Boasted about me.

Chloe, sweet girl, is a partner I prize —
Teachable, clever, attuned to psychology;
While the devotion I read in her eyes
Needs no apology.

Though you estranged me with arrogant jest,
Called me a partner of feeble mentality.
Young Mr. Ornytus hails me as best From this locality.

Chloe may gently cajole me to stay,
East to her West, with a hope to be rydia;
What if I vow that hereafter I’ll play
Only with Lydia?

Then my fond youth may commend me in vain,
Though he excel you in charm and sagacity!
Let me be North, and with Horace remain In that capacity!