To play a game of snooker or to take a stick at pool?

The Broad Arrow Standard, Wednesday 11 August 1897

QUERY?

“Mr. Carlyle wired from Perth an apology for his absence.”—Standard.

Now are you sorry, genial Jack, that you have missed a meeting,
Where councillors, by overwork, their precious brains are heating ?
It strikes me very forcibly, though you were in a city
Where stinks prevail, to be away from here you deem no pity.

I’ve pictured you at eventide with Phœbe near the river,
Who is blushing o’er your lolly gift, on which is “Love the giver;”
Would, you return from evenings such, and breezes soft and cool
To play a game of snooker or to take a stick at pool?