Skates

A blithesome boy this picture shows;
He has a true Mercurian pose,
Like winged heels his roller-skates
Send him fast-flying past his mates.
When one is young, 'tis very nice
To skate on rollers or on ice.

But Ancient Gaffers, do not try
With active boys like this to vie.
For if you get a skate on, you
Acquire a rolling gait, 'tis true.
But soon this proverb you'll endorse,--
A rolling gait gathers remorse.