F. Anstey - Voces Populi

The Descriptive Man. They've got both the fences up now, d'ye see? There's the judges going to start the jumping; each rider's got a ticket with his number on his back. See? The first man's horse don't seem to care about jumping this afternoon – see how he's dancing about. Now he's going at it – there, he's cleared it! Now he'll have to jump the next one!

The Judge of Horseflesh. Rare good shoulders that one has.

The Severe Critic ( taking the remark to apply to the horse's rider ). H'm, yes – rather – pity he sticks his elbows out quite so much, though.

The Saturnine Stableman ( encouragingly ). You'll 'ev to set back a bit next journey, Guv'nor!

The Cockney Groom. 'Orses 'ud jump better if the fences was a bit 'igher.

The S. S. They'll be plenty 'oigh enough fur some on 'em.

The Severe Critic. Ugly seat that fellow has – all anyhow when the horse jumps.

Judge of Horseflesh. Has he? I didn't notice – I was looking at the horse. [Severe Critic feels snubbed .

The S. S. ( soothingly, as the Competitor with the loose seat comes round again ). That's not good, Guv'nor!

The Cockney Groom. 'Ere's a little bit o' fashion coming down next – why, there's quite a boy on his back.

The S. S. 'E won't be on 'im long if he don't look out. Cup an ball I call it!

The Morbid Man. I suppose there's always a accident o' some sort before they've finished.

First Woman. Oh, don't, for goodness' sake, talk like that – I'm sure I don't want to see nothing 'appen.

Second Woman. Well, you may make your mind easy – for you won't see nothing here; you would have it this was the best place to come to!

First Woman. I only said there was no sense in paying extra for the balcony, when you can go in the area for nothing.

Second Woman ( snorting ). Area, indeed! It might be a good deal airier than what it is, I'm sure – I shall melt if I stay here much longer.

The Morbid Man, There's one thing about being so close to the jump as this – if the 'orse jumps sideways – as 'osses will do every now and then – he'll be right in among us before we know where we are, and then there'll be a pretty how-de-do!

Second Woman ( to her Friend ). Oh, come away, do – it's bad enough to see nothing, let alone having a great 'orse coming down atop of us, and me coming out in my best bonnet, too – come away! [ They leave

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