English poem
[R.B.]
Whilst little Paul, convalescing, was staying Close indoors, and his boisterous classmates paying
Him visits, with fresh school-notes and surprises,-- With nettling pride they sprung the word "Athletic," With much advice and urgings sympathetic Anent "Athletic exercises." Wise as Lad might look, quoth Paul: "I've pondered o'er that 'Athletic,' but I mean to take, before that, Downstairic and outdooric exercises."
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