Casey at the Bat

There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place,

There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face,

And when responding to the cheers he lightly of his hat,

No stranger in the crowd could doubt, 't was Casey at the bat.

"Strike one" the Umpire said.From the bleachers black with people there rose a sullen roar,

Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore,

"Kill him! Kill the Umpire!" shouted someone from the stand —

And it's likely they'd have done it had not Casey raised his hand.

Oh! somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,

The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,

And somewhere men are laughing and somewhere children shout;

But there is no joy in Mudville — mighty Casey has "struck out."