Rivals

A Duel after a Masquerade Ball by Jean-Léon Gérôme

Rivals

You do me wrong, you cad !
Egad !, I’ll snap your swagger stick.
I’ll pay-back ev’ry insult, lad,
And you’ll be glad I made it quick.
I’ll give you thirty licks, and then I’ll add
Another thirty more.
I’m wise to all your tricks, comrad,
And tell you this means war…
Don’t doubt me on that score, you rake,
You’ll soon be aching bad.
I’ll bring the hurt, make no mistake.
My words are iron clad.
I’ll bound you over, bounder !
You shall flounder on my spleen –
How dare that you imply that I
Am such a drama queen…

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