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 PS 991 
 
 "1" )RDHAM RACES! 
 
 Copy 1 
 
 THE BATTLE: 
 
 Containing the Adventures of a New York Belle and 
 a Blarsted English Beau at the Fordham Races. 
 
 A COMIC-HEROIC POEM. 
 
 'Operose Tiih.il agunt." 
 *Busy about notliiiig." 
 
 Entered according to act of Congress, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 For Sale by WM. F. BERTKAU, 85 Market Street, 
 Paterson, N. J. 
 
THE BATTLE. 
 
 A NEW YORK BELLE IN A SOLILOQUY. 
 
 Is it the monkey who has caus'd my pain, 
 
 Or is it a project of Sir Fizzle's brain ? 
 
 Oh I cruel man, if thou this billet doux have writ, 
 
 At your poor Daphne's cost to show your wit. 
 
 The writing's Fizzle's — yet Damon — 'tis a classic name ; 
 
 That makes me doubt, for beaux no learning claim. 
 
 Why, why thus to have left me in this perplexing state — 
 
 'Twill make me at the next ball full one hour late ; 
 
 I'll read again — my life, my all, at our trysting place. 
 
 Your swain expectant 'waits your lovely face ; 
 
 Then follow tender thoughts, writ with a master's art. 
 
 Ending by calling me his queen of hearts. — 
 
 The place — is it Delmonico's where we sometimes go ? 
 
 Or Opera Bouffe where often goes my beaux ? 
 
 I've heard of transmigration, how spirits change their place. 
 
 And flying here and there do different bodies grace. — 
 
 Yes I this fate is Fizzle's — perchance now his soul illumes 
 
 A clerk or legal hack in some ball room. — 
 
 His spirit to find shall be my constant aim 
 
 And by my constant search, I'll show my heart felt flame ; 
 
 A female wandering Jew, New York I'll search around 
 
 Nor cease my search till my dear Fizzle's found. 
 
 She ended — then sharply ringing for her maid 
 
 The lovely nymph was soon in beauteous garb array'd, 
 
 So when the great Jove to fair Olyrapia hied 
 
 A dragon's fiery form the god belied — 
 
 So Daphne a half mask wore o'er her lovely face I 
 
 To aid her desigas in this love chase. 
 
 Who Sir is Fizzle, a man of great renown. 
 
 The present talk and wonder of New York town ? 
 
 A distrait are his actions ; each movement grace, 
 
 Whilst a soft smile oft lights his placid face. 
 
 The poetry of motion shows in a pas seul, 
 
 And is the hero of three bloodless duels. 
 
 Just land'd on our shore ; he dines at the Travelers' Club, 
 
 There drinks his crusty port, and plays a rub ; 
 
 Rises at ten when the world's been well aired, 
 
And before twelve to D's, in Wall Street, has repaired. 
 
 Others have sung how a man great in war , 
 
 Driven by cruel fate, he sought the Latin shore, 
 
 I Sing the lovely Daphne, she's my theme. 
 
 And ask her influence o'er my verse to beam. 
 
 She, loveliest of all the gay giddy throng. 
 
 Who dance, sigh, flirt or faint in love songs. 
 
 This Galaxey beauty ! this vapour 'flict'd lass 
 
 (Who pensive all day, looks at her maid and glass) 
 
 Whirls oft and swiftly in the pleasing dance 
 
 Wisely regardful of her wedding chance. 
 
 Hark ! from yon brown stone front floats music on the air. 
 
 Whilst coach on coach disgorge the beauteous fair. 
 
 Kid gloved beaus, in crowds, with hurrying feet 
 
 Hither resort, in throngs that block the street, 
 
 Among so many Adonis, we can only single out 
 
 The leader of the German at this bonton rout, 
 
 A youth he is to all the ladies dear. 
 
 And can a pas seul make without a fear ; 
 
 Can deence the Boston, with a Lauzuns air. 
 
 And happy make the nymph who in his triumph shares. 
 
 His name's Sir Fizzle, and shines so brightly through the lance, 
 
 That envious fops proclaim His not feeshionable to deence 
 
 Or how the ladies' hair describe, one tithe or part 
 
 That proudly display'd the coifiure's part 
 
 With curls and fizzles adorn'd each lovely head ; 
 
 They laugh, ogle, chat, and no Connecte dread 
 
 Like Horrace's nymphs, before they tour, but behind 
 
 They somehow sadly dwindle to the pigmy kind. 
 
 There's beuteous Clara — a blonde beauty bright 
 
 Of her gay coterie the constant delight, 
 
 Pensive Lalage whose fonde of altic wit, 
 
 Candryest theme illume with similes most fit. 
 
 Now graceful moves each belle, anon joins in the dance, 
 
 The poetry of motion shows or shoots a fatal glance 
 
 From brightest eye, on some fond love-sick swain. 
 
 Then one more willing captive counts Clara in her train ; 
 
 They laugh, cry, ogle, or to show their wit 
 
 Many difemine savante utters a lucky hit 
 
 A hon mot full of humour, or declar'd so by her wight 
 
 A modern Zoilus, whose praise is Corinna's delight. 
 
 Like the gay throng that at Montagu's did oft resort. 
 
 Balls, operas, discuss'd then on graver subjects thought ; 
 
 So these — 'till sudden — sec still'd is ev'ry tongue 
 
 Then loss'd — they in one moment on one lovely object run, 
 
 'Tis Daphne who now enters attended by her beau 
 
 To whom fops obeisance make in long extended row, 
 
 The maid as though unconscious down-cast kept her eye. 
 
Pensive gaz'd at uothing — anon heaves a gentle sigh. 
 
 Unheeding — queenlike moves along the glittering press 
 
 Because she's assur'd she's of all the nymphs best dress. 
 
 That lovely dress in which proud Daphne's array'd 
 
 Glad tribute different nations rejoicing glad had pay'd 
 
 Belgia's thrifty sons had spun the gauzey lace 
 
 Which Daphne wears with such an immitable grace 
 
 While Lyon's Artists long the thread had wrought 
 
 Till to its present form the cocoons web had brought 
 
 The sea had e'en brought tribute to adorn the maid 
 
 Her pearly circlet reflects each varying shade 
 
 As yet her downy fan hangs listless at her side 
 
 Though knowledge of its use is Daphn's chiefest pride, 
 
 For see — from her side her beau one moment had stray'd. 
 
 Now see with what haste the lovely nymphs obey'd ; 
 
 Thrice crack'd the angry fan — obedient Fizzle flew 
 
 To answer sounds whose import he well knew — 
 
 But hark ! a piercing scream breaks on the startl'd ear, 
 
 Such as our sorrow promps when losing friends most dear. 
 
 Has griefs sad messenger 'flict'd some lovely lass, 
 
 Or caused by patch displac'd seen in the glittering glass. 
 
 None, none of these — far deeper Corinna's sorrow lies 
 
 " iJai't^ Daphne's better dress'd " she sobbed, then clos'd her eyes. 
 
 Apostrope, thou lov'd resort of all our New York fair, 
 
 Who hither flock in crowds to chat and take the air ; 
 
 The beauty of thy charms enthrals each gazing eye, 
 
 And melt'd by the sight, e'en coquettes heave a sigh. 
 
 As lake, woods grots, they view in bright and varied show, 
 
 Much deeper when this they see with a belov'd beau ; 
 
 Others seated here and there beneath the umbrageous shade. 
 
 Gossip with zest discourse, or tell who begins to fade. 
 
 Hither early next day to th' park their steps they wend, 
 
 And by their mutual plaints, the very stones they rend. 
 
 Disconsolate they mourn regret the ill-omen'd hour 
 
 In which luckless Daphne lost her long-boasted pour. 
 
 XJnwoo'd, the nymph with tears views natures varied charms, 
 
 Then with a sob hug pug more closer to her arms. 
 
 Ah, listen ! ma belle Anne the fat beau softly said — 
 
 Here Phoebe like repose where flowers their perfume shed 
 
 And in this leafy shade, like an Arcadian bow'r. 
 
 We'll subtle plans contrive to blast thy rivals hat'd power." 
 
 " Though pursuasive now, thy speech the pensive nymph replied. 
 
 As half relenting, half in anger, she her Sir Fizzle ey'd. 
 
 Why, mon chevelier on that unpropitious night 
 
 When odious Belinda's dress first met my startled sight ; 
 
 You as unconcious of all your fair one's woe, 
 
 By mute admiration swell' 1 the tryumph of my foe, 
 
 " As once again, I hope," the knight responding exclaimed, 
 
*' Belgravia Square to grace, your swain you wrongly blame ; 
 
 "Far different my purpose when in the crowd'd ball 
 
 " I stood observant scanning Belinda's shawl 
 
 " Which though she wore with pride and immittable grace. 
 
 " Hah I listen Daphne — twas — twas not real Cluny^lace — 
 
 " What ! — how my Adonis — hastily ][cried the dame, 
 
 " Not Cluny I Art certain ? — if we^now prove its cost 
 
 " Again as queen I'll reign — And her dominions lost. 
 
 " Haste, haste, my Bayard, the glorious news proclaim 
 
 " That every month may speak of my hat'd rival's shame. 
 
 To morrow night's the ball, when the beau monde'll meet. 
 
 To be given by ^just out of street. 
 
 No time to lose — haste, haste, let all upper tendom know 
 
 " This wretch'd subterfuge of my detested foe — 
 
 " She ended — then Fizzle — lady I fly, first to the club 
 
 " The news I'll tell — I'll ever interrupt a Rub — 
 
 " But this morn, so early our walk ; ah ! for a simile 
 
 " — I have it " up rose the sun — and up rose Emilie. 
 
 He ended — they hied to one yclept the Club, 
 
 And as he said — broke up a whist-like studious rub — 
 
 Among those present were an English Lord or two. 
 
 Fresh from their Cheshire Cheese and ale of home-bred brew ; 
 
 One, his friend — of Belgravia Square the boast, 
 
 Was at breakfast a I'anglaise — only tea and toast. 
 
 Next to Delmonico's, Fizzle with haste hurried on. 
 
 And told the news in haste to all the idle throng. 
 
 Next a coach sought — now quick fly the revolving wheels ; 
 
 And soon 'fore Mammon's temple stopp'd the courser's rapid heels. 
 
 Fizzle hurried in was on the call 
 
 And Bable like the din made by the different bawls 
 
 Oblivious to all, our knight young, sought 
 
 Who flurried appear'd — because a bad^w^ he'd just bought. 
 
 Moves Daphne now with a queenlike air, 
 
 And Fizzle proud, in the maid's triumph shares — 
 
 Which did they converse while wits and belles they scan. 
 
 And Fizzle's tongue on nothings most volubly ran. 
 
 " Behold yon thing, he cries," with no grace, no airs, 
 
 " A country toad, and hah, yes — she wears false^hair," 
 
 " Yes I Daphne replied, her complexion breaking fast. 
 
 And entre mus, 'twill not another season last " 
 
 " Increased," said Fizzle, then he his boulonnier display 'd, 
 
 " And 'pon honor, I think your rival begins to fade," 
 
 " I view'd her at Foxe's, the house was light'd bright, 
 
 " Let her beware — she look'd just passe to my sight. 
 
 " Wilt thou my gallant knight," the lady fair exclaimed 
 
 " Allow that odious nymph to triumph in my shame. 
 
 Let craven fear no longer tryumph in thy noble breast, 
 
 But humbly hear, and promptly do thy lady love's behest. 
 
Tis this,— at the next bonton hall where wits and heauties throng, 
 
 At interval of chat, sighing ask me for a song. 
 
 Cry altro voltro at its end, praise with a critico air 
 
 My song, my dress, mon poise, and e'en iny raven hair 
 
 This with envy's keen sting, shall pierce my rival's heart ; 
 
 'J is certain of success, if thou act well thy part. 
 
 Oh ! think how wits and belles shall envious speak our names ; 
 
 Fifth Avenue and Madison shall echo with our fame. 
 
 Thus by degrees she fans Fizzle's slumb'ring fire. 
 
 And to a noble daring the fat beau inspires ; 
 
 So Macedon's proud king by Timothen's art inflam'd, 
 
 And by bright Lais led the city gave to flames ; 
 
 Fizzle also inflamed by what the lady fair had spoke, 
 
 First his cheek well rouged then, yawning, awoke. 
 
 Threw ofi" the apathy of a true man of ton, 
 
 And earnest to the lady swore her wishes should be done. 
 
 " For thee, my Helen I he cried, I'll snub the rival knight, 
 
 Even as you wish in the whole beau morele's sight. 
 
 Dispraise your mistress's charms, exalt your own. 
 
 My terms sigh actions all shall be high flown. 
 
 He ended, then to solomnize his pledge 
 
 The nymph it wrote on paper with gilt edge. 
 
 The spelling was bon ton, on such trifles we'll not dwell. 
 
 Like men of fashion ladies never should spell well." 
 
 Our Juno mon faith issued, attended by her knight 
 
 To Stewarts wends her way to prepare for the eventful night, 
 
 To purchase a dress dernier f aeon, at whose sight 
 
 The rival belle would so her envy show, 
 
 As but to heighten the triumph of her beauteous foe ; 
 
 Nor longer shine supreme in Terpsichore's graceful art, 
 
 But silent sit with envy gnawing at her heart. 
 
 If men, long, grave, comical, deliberation take 
 
 On questions that only affect the interests of the state. 
 
 How much more is needed at a time like this, 
 
 When trembles in the balance the fate of a beauteous Miss ; 
 
 This Daphne understood, selected with care each part 
 
 Of the dress on which a beau monde modiste exhausted all her art. 
 
 Fizzle and she inspected the goods display'd. 
 
 And oft the nymphs in parts her lovely self array'd 
 
 His bon gout in colors the beau put oft in use, 
 
 And different colors blend'd with a skilful ruse; 
 
 Not with more care and skill the Austrian Juno show'd 
 
 Her triumph to secure 'gainst her Prussian foe. 
 
SPEECHES AND SCENES 
 
 AT THE TAKINQ OF THE 
 
 NE\A/ DEPARTURE 
 
 'Twas now resolv'd the Club should that night meet, 
 Thither came chiefs in throngs, with hurrying feet ; 
 Coach hurrying on coach, 'for the Club house wheeling, 
 Th' very Jehus seem'd impressed with proper feeling ; 
 Within be seen, in solemn pomp array'd, 
 The party chiefs, high, low, of every grade. 
 
 D long. Nemesis, with tears implor'd. 
 
 Propitious, kind to be — and every help afford : 
 Then to that power divine, an altar neatly built, 
 Of five long declarations bound in silk : 
 There lay a Charleston plank, their ancient faith. 
 
 All these shrewd L resign'd with easy grace ; 
 
 Now with Lecompton bills he lights the pyre, 
 And breathes a mournful sigh to raise the fire. 
 
 Nestor's character. 
 Trembling he sees with sighs, and many fears, 
 Old age approaching, with incr'sing years : 
 By turns remorse and sorrow fill his breast. 
 He sighs for quiet — these deny him rest. 
 Relentless Fate! whose stern decree commands, 
 Remorse should heighten what his Fancy fans : 
 Yet still 'mid all, these signs of sure decay, 
 His will grows stonger, as declines his day : 
 And though his mind, more savage grown to hate, 
 Capricious, sensual still, remains as great, 
 And views, unmov'd, approaching Fate. 
 First 'mong equals, as equal see him shine, 
 Pretends, at first his will to theirs resign : 
 But now to greater heights his bold ambition grown. 
 What was their equal now their chief he shone : 
 By cautious steps he acts his wily part. 
 And pow'r obtain'd displays the cov'ring of his heart, 
 Notes well the manners of his careless friends. 
 And forms those manners to subserve his ends : 
 His fears, and hopes, in equal balance laid. 
 What this would prompt, by that is oft' allay'd, 
 Intuitively seems the coming storm to know, 
 Long, ere to duller minds, its signs begin to show, 
 What'er he wills on him with ease does sit. 
 He knows what best each character befits : 
 Turns here and there, just as he sees th' need, 
 
'Till now from cringing, boldly taL, ^ 015 861 892 8 ^ 
 
 Thou'h meanness, wild cnprice, possess his heart, 
 With cunning acts the hypoeritic part, 
 Then as he sees th' times want othr aid 
 He takes the lead, directs and is obey'd. 
 
 ANOTHER NEW YORK CHIEF. 
 
 Soon will fair nymphs praise Jimmey's wondrous pow'r, 
 
 Th' statesman deck with ever blooming flow'rs : 
 
 Most gallant knight ! whose heart bright glows for fame 
 
 To lead th' nation — or, to lead a dame — 
 
 At Newport sit upon th' sea-side strand. 
 
 Where Neptune battles 'gainst th' encroaching land ; 
 
 There in th' stilly night his warblings often makes, 
 
 A serenade he sings, for some fair lady's sake : 
 
 Now thus he spoke — 
 
 " My life, Nemesis I was happily spent ; " 
 
 Thus far he got, when, if report says true. 
 
 His eyes then rest'd on a note o'er due ; 
 
 Protests in throngs were then no sooner read. 
 
 Than all his warblings vanished from his head. 
 
 But Nestor soon came to help the luckless wight, 
 
 And saying "he'd pay," reliev'd him of his fright. 
 
 " What! hah I you've a subtle plan en train ?" 
 
 Then rising from his chair proceed'd in this strain : 
 
 " My life, Nemesis I was happily spent. 
 
 When things went along as once they did went : 
 
 My life then was pleasant, no fear in my breast. 
 
 Sure never fond leader like Jimmy was blest. 
 
 But now all is gone, nothing more left behind, 
 
 What a marvelous change on a sudden I find. 
 
 When things were as fine as could possibly be, 
 
 I thought they'd remain so; but, alas I it can't be. 
 
 My tod I was ever well pleased to see 
 
 Brought to us in bowls — to Dicky and me ; 
 
 And Charley was pleas'd too, and often he said 
 
 'Egad I my fine fellow,' and patted my head. 
 
 But now, when he's fawning, I with a sour look 
 
 Cry, sirrah I and give him a blow with my crook ; 
 
 And I'll give him another, for why should not I, 
 
 Be cross like old Nestor, and heartily cry I 
 
 Will no pitying power that hears me complain. 
 
 Or cure my disquiet, or soften my pain ? 
 
 To be cur'd, we must, Charley, a Departure now make. 
 
 From our old party creed this instant must break ; 
 
 So, Nemesis, bid victory once more return, 
 
 For ne'er was poor Jimmey so sadly forlorn. 
 
 Ah ! what shall I do ? I shall die with despair. 
 
 Take heed, all ye fossils, who in my grief share. 
 
■A)ly 
 
Ilnfi I „., I-UNURESS 
 
 015 861 892 8 ^j 
 
 Hollinger Corp. 
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