'The Bishop of Bombay is displeased with
Society because it encourages the sinful game
of 'Tommy Dodd' at Charity Bazaars.'
—Pioneer, April 14th.
1
My name is Tommy Dodd,
(Tommy Dodd),
And I scorn the Bishop's rod
(Tommy Dodd),
You may find me spinning free
At each Charity Squeejee—
'Stakes confined to one rupee.'
(Tommy Dodd).
2
And the Bishop he may write,
He may write:
Yea, in lawn-sleeved black and white
Urge the fight,
And in language erudite
Lash the gambling appetite
Of Society polite.
(Tommy Dodd).
3
But ere Bishops wielded crook,
(Tommy Dodd),
Ere they cursed by Bell and Book
(Tommy Dodd),
I—or some one like me—taught
Man the hope of gain for naught;
But they called my worship 'Sport'.
(Tommy Dodd).
4
Since your little race began
(Tommy Dodd),
I have swayed the soul of man;
(Tommy Dodd),
Crozier, rochet, mitre, pall,
I am stronger than them all,
And shall flourish when they fall
(Tommy Dodd).
5
Dam the Indus in its bed
(Tommy Dodd),
Blanket Kinchinjunga's head
(Tommy Dodd),
Skid a glacier, cork a crater,
Make the Morning Sun rise later,
And—I'll own that you're the greater
(Tommy Dodd).
6
Spokeshave ever failing human,
(Tommy Dodd),
Turn the heart of man from woman,
(Tommy Dodd),
Cleanse the Earth of evil in it,
Pinion Passion's wings with sinnit,
And—I'll abdicate this minute
(Tommy Dodd).
7
While the breath of man endures
(Tommy Dodd),
There's an older Law than yours:
(Tommy Dodd),
He will quit your highest altars
For the Chance that clicks and falters
Where the croupier reads the psalters
(Tommy Dodd).
8
Here's my answer to your cry
(Tommy Dodd),
"See the little horses fly!
(Tommy Dodd),
"Open bank and we'll begin,
"Let the whirring needle spin
"Try your luck—you're sure to win!"
(Tommy Dodd).
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