The Poetry Corner

Upon Playing At Ombre With Two Ladies

By Matthew Prior

I know that Fortune long has wanted sight, And therefore pardon'd when she did not right; But yet till then it never did appear That, as she wanted eyes, she could not hear. I begg'd that she would give me leave to lose, A thing she does not commonly refuse. Two matadores are out against my game, Yet still I play, and still my luck's the same: Unconquer'd in three suits it does remain, Whereas I only ask in one to gain; Yet she still contradicting gifts imparts, And gives success in every suit, but Hearts.