Page:Departmental Ditties and Ballads and Barrack-Room Ballads, Kipling, 1899.djvu/26

12 Perhaps Delilah's eyes were bright—Delilah's whispers sweet—

The Aged Member told her what 'twere treason to repeat.

Ulysses went a-riding, and they talked of love and flowers;

Ulysses went a-calling, and he called for several hours;

Ulysses went a-waltzing, and Delilah helped him dance—

Ulysses let the waltzes go, and waited for his chance.

The summer sun was setting, and the summer air was still,

The couple went a-walking in the shade of Summer Hill,

The wasteful sunset faded out in turkis-green and gold,

Ulysses pleaded softly, and ... that bad Delilah told!

Next morn, a startled Empire learnt the all-important News;

Next week, the Aged Councillor was shaking in his shoes;