'Tis a good many years since they sought our white shore;
Once more at hands'-grip we are glad to have got 'em.
As to Jingos or Chauvinists,--out on the bores!
Such Jonahs should promptly be plumped to the bottom;
Poor swabs! For this party _they_ are not invited;
Shall they come athwart hawse
As we drink to the Cause
Of Shipmates for ever and Neighbours United?
Yes, we know that humanity fondly may scheme
For Peace, of all ills the supposed panacea:
We know that Utopia's only a dream,
Unbroken good fellowship but an idea.
Old NEP knows his great Naval Show is now on,
And ARMSTRONG and WHITWORTH's huge works he's aware on;
He sees what our shipwrights and gunsmiths have done
To send foes o'er the Styx in the barque of old Charon.
At sight of War's murderous monsters half frighted,
E'en valour may pause,
And drink deep to the Cause,
Of Good-will among Nations and Neighbours United!
But, gushing apart, 'tis a sight for sad eyes
To see ancient rivals on joint messmate duty.
A French ship in our waters and not as a prize
Might once have perturbed British Valour and Beauty.
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