'Fatty,' one day, called 'Red-nosed Scot'
A viper! and then punched his nose;
Poor 'Scotty' swore to have revenge
Before the week could close.

Now 'Scotty' was a gambling man,
And, when his eyes were glassed and framed,
He saw in print, to his amaze,
A horse called 'Viper' named.

At once that superstitious man
Backed 'Viper' for the highest place;
And heard ere long, to his great joy,
That horse had won the race.

'Fatty,' said 'Scot,' with grateful tears,
'You called me "Viper," to my shame -
But it was heavenly Providence
To call me by that name.'