Their fleet is to come for a right friendly spree;
To promise them "skylarks" is hardly presumption.
They're welcome to NEPTUNE's old "Halls by the Sea."
Of powder and grog there'll be mighty consumption,
In toasts and salutes, for they're friends and invited;
JOHN and JOHNNY clasp paws,
And drink deep to the Cause
Of NEPTUNE's two guests and brave Neighbours United!
The scribes and the specials report wondrous things,
Of the grand preparations, the routs and the rackets.
Gone the old days of huge wooden walls and white wings,
We now meet without mutual dusting of jackets.
Well so much the better! Our seas let them try,
Their squadrons are welcome to float 'em and swim 'em.
Like good _Cap'n Cuttle_ we'll smile and "stand by,"
Friendly bumpers we'll empty as fast as they brim 'em
To welcome his guests Father NEPTUNE's delighted,
He'll clasp both their paws,
And drink deep to the Cause
Of Sailors as shipmates and Neighbours United!
Old NEP is "At Home" to the Sailors of France.
Old foes turn new friends as their reason grows riper;
"All hands for Skylarking!" A measure we'll dance,
With friendship for fiddler and pleasure for piper.
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