Page:Poems, Volume 2, Coates, 1916.djvu/168



P, lads! they say we've struck a berg, though there's no danger yet,—

Our noble liner was not built to wreck!—

But women may have felt a shock they're needing to forget,

And when there's trouble, men should be on deck.

Come!—now's the time! They're wanting us to brighten them a bit;

Play up, my lads—as lively as you can!

Give them a merry English air! they want no counterfeit

Like that down-hearted tune you just began!...

I think the Captain's worried, lads: maybe the thing's gone wrong;

Well, we will show them all is right with us!

Of Drake and the Armadas now we'll play them such a song

Shall make them of the hero emulous.