When the Fox Dies,His Skin Counts

When the Fox Dies,His Skin Counts

(The name of a game,known in English as“Jack’s alight.”)

WE young people in the shade

Sat one sultry day;

Cupid[13]came，and“Dies the Fox”

With us sought to play.

Each one of my friends then sat

By his mistress dear;

Cupid，blowing out the torch[14]，

Said：“The taper’s here!”

Then we quickly sent around

The expiring[15]brand；

Each one put it hastily

ln his neighbour’s hand.

Dorilis then gave it me,

With a scoffing jest[16]；

Sudden into flame it broke,

By my fingers press’d.

And it singed[17]my eyes and face，

Set my breast on fire;

Then above my head the blaze

Mounted ever higher.

Vain I sought to put it out;

Ever burned the flame;

Stead of dying,soon the Fox

Livelier still became.

1770.