Whether for Nothing or for Yen
I'll play my Contract Bridge with Men!

For though my partner be a lout
Who doesn't know what It's About

It's easier to bear by far
Than playing with a Female Star.

For I can bawl him out; and he
Can ull the same rough stuff on me

And whether we be wrong or right
We need not be too damened polite.

For all my partner's roars and rants
Are better than the martyred glance

A woman partner always darts
When you get set four tricks in hearts.

And when the lady is a Sap
You still must wear upon your map

A gentle smile and lie like hell
And say "You played it very well."

And when the time comes to collect
You feel a woman's life is wrecked

And that her whole career is done
Because of fifty cents you won.

Thank you, I'll take the black abuse
That male practitioners turn loose,

In preference to what you get
In mixed games ruled by etiquette.

Whether for Nothing or for Yen
I'll take my Contract Bridge with Men!

- Berton Braley

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