But great things spring from little:—Would you think,

That in our youth, as dangerous a passion

As e'er brought Man and Woman to the brink

Of ruin, rose from such a slight occasion,

As few would ever dream could form the link

Of such a sentimental situation?

You'll never guess, I'll bet you millions, milliards[730]—

It all sprung from a harmless game at billiards.