I stand by, and I mark,

And I see some things plain;

And the looks that are dark

At the Jap's game, and gain,

From that Heathen Chinee, are peculiar;

But aloof I'm content to remain!

Ah Sin at the game

Thought him chipper and spry;

But he's "spoofed" all the same—

(Whatsome'er that imply)—

And his smile is less pensive and childlike

Than when he once played with Bill Nye.

Little Jap looked absurd—

As regarding mere size—

And some people inferred

He was feeble likewise;

Yet he's played it this time upon Johnny

In a way it's scarce safe to despise.

In the saffron pair's game

I did not take a hand.

Some conceived that the same

Jap did not understand;

But his grin somehow soon turned the tables

On "the smile that was childlike and bland."

'Tis a theme for Bret Harte,

P'raps he only could show

The artful Jap's art—

If I may put it so—

In a way which is worthy the subject.

But me interfere, gents? Why, no!

If Jap's cards had been stocked—

Which I do not believe—

Had our feelings been shocked

By the state of Jap's sleeve;

We might have had reason for charging

The same with intent to deceive.

But the hands he has played

With that Heathen Chinee,

And the points he has made,

Are, as far as I see,

The result of good play plus good fortune;

And does it concern you or me?

The Russ standing by

Turned his glance upon me.

(For the Jap's pile was high.)

And he hissed, "Shall this be?

Must I have this smart Jap for a neighbour?

Shall he clear out the Heathen Chinee?"

Swarthy François looked glum,

Ginger Hans rubbed his chin:

But I smoked and stood mum,

As the Jap raked the tin.

Then I says, "He's played fairly and squarely.

So what call have we to cut in?

"In the game, as you know,

You would not take a hand,

But a short while ago;

So let Jappy now land

The stakes, and Ah Sin take his hiding

At the game his foe does understand.

"Johnny thought himself strong

At that game; but the facts

Seem to prove he was wrong;

And unwisely he acts

In howling at getting in warfare

What's frequent in warfare—that's whacks!

"Which is why I remark,

And my purpose is plain,

That looks that are dark

At the Jappy are vain.

And, although you may think me peculiar,

Aloof—for the time—I remain!"