In Praise of the Game
(COTTON, 1674)
"Since recreation is a thing lawful in itself, if not abused, I
cannot but commend this as the most genteel and innocent of any
that I know, being rightly used; there being none of these cheats
to be found at this as at.several other games. There is nothing
here to be used but pure Art; and therefore I shall only caution
you, when you go to play that you suffer not yourself to be overmatched,
and do not when you meet with a better Gamester than
yourself, condemn the table and do not swear as one does playing
at Nine-Pins."