WILLIAM THE WHEELMAN.

_Enthusiastic Cyclist loquitur_:--

I have noticed with unfeigned and real pleasure,
The rapid growth of Cycling. (_How it jumps!_)
To those who have the energy and leisure
It affords--(_Confound this saddle! it so bumps!_)
What otherwise would be quite unattainable,
A healthy, and a pleasurable form
Of exercise. (_Yes, health is hereby gainable;_
_But I am most uncomfortably warm!_)

It gives them the advantages of travel,
(_By Jingo! I was nearly over then!_
_A tumble and the "gravel-rash" would gravel_
_The nimblest of extremely Grand Old Men_)
Which, previous to the Cycle's happy advent,
Were out of almost everybody's reach.
(_And to the "spirits" of the cycling-cad vent._
_'Arry on Wheels the law must manners teach._)

It's really very much more profitable
Than is the long luxurious rail way journey.
(_If in the saddle I feel not more stable,_
_I'll be "unhorsed," like tilter in a tourney!_)
Monotonous the journey from the City,
Along a fixed unalterable route.
(_This is an old "bone-shaker." 'Tis a pity!_