Then to don her skates, and surely Mine the task to fit them tight, Strap and fasten them securely, While she offers me, demurely, First the left foot then the right. Off she circles, swiftly flying To the pond's extremest verge; Then returning, and replying With disdain to all my sighing, And the love I dare not urge. Vainly do I follow after, She's surrounded in a trice, Other men have come and chaffed her, And the echo of her laughter Comes across the ringing ice. Still I've hope, a hope that never In my patient heart is dead; Though fate for a time might sever, Though she skated on for ever, I would follow where she fled. * * * * * [Illustration: SHAKSPEARE ILLUSTRATED "I am down again!"--_Cymbeline_, Act V., Sc. 5.] * * * * * TO FOOTBALL Farewell to thee, Cricket, Thy last match is o'er; Thy bat, ball, and wicket Are needed no more. To thy sister we turn, For her coming we pray; Her worshippers burn For the heat of the fray. Hail! Goddess of battle, Yet hated of Ma(r)s, How ceaseless their tattle Of tumbles and scars! Such warnings are vain, For thy rites we prepare, Youth is yearning again In thy perils to share. Broken limbs and black eyes May, perchance, be our lot; But grant goals and ties And we care not a jot. Too sacred to name With thy posts, ball, and field, There is no winter game To which thou canst yield. * * * * * MOTTO FOR AN IMPECUNIOUS FOOTBALL CLUB.--"More kicks than halfpence." * * * * * [Illustration: PREHISTORIC PEEPS During a considerable portion of the year the skating was excellent, and was much enjoyed by all classes.] * * * * * [Illustration: _Little Jones_ (_to lady who has just collided with him_). "I-I-I-I beg your pardon! I-I-I hope I haven't hurt you!"] * * * * * [Illustration: GENUINE ENTHUSIASM (_A Thaw Picture._) What matter an inch or two of surface-water, if the ice be still sound underneath!] * * * * * "LE FOOTE-BALLE" _Offices of the Athletic Convention, Paris._ MONSIEUR,--Having already expressed my views as to the capabilities possessed by "Le Cricquette" for becoming a national game worthy the attention of the young sporting gentlemen of our modern France, I now turn me to the consideration of your "Foote-Balle."