In Residence

THE VILLAGE CHAMPIONS (FOUNDED ON FACT) ‘The way to Dorking, mister? Ay! I wean’t, a-fearin’ to deceive ; I bean’t a man as can rely, To speak on, as you might perceive. You go an’ ax that chap you see A-sitting by the villidge tree.” “« And who is he ?” the stranger said. “He seems more aged than you, my friend!” “Why, bless you, so ’e be,” his head He sadly scratched from end to end, “ But sich a hintellect, I'll lay You don’t see, mister, hevery day ! “Why, Billy Stoke ’e were the cove A matter o’ ten year agone What beat Jim Buskett out o’ ’Ove, What used to be the champion— Jim Buskett, wi’ the wooden legs, What were the champion fur heggs! 67