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Bird, H. E. (Henry Edward), 1830-1908

"Chess History and Reminiscences"

Some talk over the game obtrusively
which is not always convenient.
Such a one noticing that no money ever passed when Boden
and Bird played, patronizingly said to the former, "Mr. Boden, I
am so glad to find you do not care for 'filthy lucre.'" B. replied,
"It is not to the `filthy lucre' I object, but to the `filthy
looker on.'"
It is bad form for spectators to remove the pieces from the
board without the consent of the players, even if it be done for
the purpose of demonstrating more forcibly what move should be
made.
One who never remained a spectator more than five minutes,
observed, all he desired was to get a birds-eye view of Bird's
position.
------
EXCUSES
Boden and Bird were favourite opponents for 25 years and
though very opposite in styles were, in the long run, singularly
even in their series. It was the practice of both to resign
at the proper moment. Bird, once it was thought, gave up too
early. "Oh, it is hopeless," said he. "I have my misgivings,
I cannot contend against such forebodings, one Boden is too much,
for me."
One player, who rarely scored a game, was likened to a very
great musical composer--"Beethoven"--(Beat often)!!
The excuse made for our old friend L.


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