Page:The Seven Seas (Kipling, 1896).djvu/108

86 The Liner she's a lady by the paint upon 'er face,

An' if she meets an accident they count it sore disgrace:

The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, and 'e's always 'andy by,

But, oh, the little cargo-boats! they've got to load or die.

The Liner she's a lady, and 'er route is cut an' dried;

The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, an' 'e always keeps beside;

But, oh, the little cargo-boats that 'aven't any man,

They've got to do their business first, and make the most they can!

The Liner she's a lady, and if a war should come,

The Man-o'-War's 'er 'usband, and 'e'd bid 'er stay at home;

But, oh, the little cargo-boats that fill with every tide!

'E'd 'ave to up an' fight for them, for they are England's pride.