Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

THE ATTEMPT.
17
some people, of exempting ladies’ balls from distant Croquets, or if they are sent to the
further end of the ground they are returned half-way,—as if ladies were not worthy to
he treated as equals in Croquet playing !—as if many of our best Croquet players were
not ladies!
There now remains but one objection to make to the manner in which some
treat Croquet, by which it is lowered to the level of common card-playing or lounging.
I need scarcely say that I refer to the habit of smoking while playing. I dare say
some of my readers may be astonished to hear that this despicable practice has to
a certain degree gained ground, but I assure them that I have not only seen smoke
curling over the Croquet ground, but have seen ladies sharing in the game counte¬
nancing the custom. It is with shame that I record it, but I am here speaking not only
of the pleasures of Croquet, but also of its abuses. I point out the low depth to which
in unworthy hands it may fall, but oh ! I would also show how invigorating, pure, and
intellectual it may become in good hands. And now, my fellow Croquet players, let us
by one common consent determine that the year of 1864 may be"one of great improve¬
ment in the art. Let it be said that this year, and this town, have produced some
good Croquet players. S. E. S. M.
Day by day—fading away,
Through the summer prime and the autumn time,
Fading away !
Day by day—fading away,
Till the sweet eyes gleam’d with a strange wild light,
And the flush on the cheek grew unearthly bright,
And the waving masses of golden hair
Shaded a brow, than the snow more fair.
Day by day—fading away,
As the bright clouds die in the sunset sky,
As the violets fade in the leafy glade,
Daily growing more fair, more holy,
But calmly and sweetly, and surely and slowly,
Fading away!