THE ORIGINAL OF H.M.S. PINAFORE.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2951, 29 September 1879, Page 3

THE ORIGINAL OF H.M.S. PINAFORE.

CAPTAIN RBKCE, OF TH_ MANTELPIUCK.

Of all the ships upon the blue No ship contained a bettor crew Than that of worthy Captain Recce, Commander of the Mantelpiece. He was adored by all his men; __ or worthy Captain Recce, R.N., Did all that lay within him to Promote tbe comfort of his brow. If ever they were dull or sad The captain danced to them liko mad, Or told, to make the time pass by, Droll legends of his infancy. A feather bed had every man, Warm slippers and hot water can, Brown Windsor from tho captaiu'a store, A vulot, too, to overy four. Did thoy with thirst in summer burh, Lo, sctzogenesaterery turn; And on ail v.u-y sultry days Cream ices ha .ded round on trays. Then currant wine and ginger pops Stood handily on all tho tops ; And, a'so, with amusement rife, A zootrope, or wheel of life. New volumes came across the sea From Mißtor Mudie's libraree; Th« " Times'" and " Saturday Review" Beguilod tho leisure of tho crow. Kind-hearted Captain Roece, R.N., Wuh guile devoted to hia men ; In point of fact, good Captain Reeco Boatill-d tue Mainelpioce, One summer evo, at half-past ten, Ho Said, addressing all hi-i men, " Come, tell me, please, what I can do To please and gratify my crew. "By any reasonable plan I'll make you happy if I can ; Myown convenience count as nil, It is my duty, and I will." Then up and answered William Lee (The kindly captain's cox wain hu, A nervous, shy, low-spoken mam, He cleared his throat and then began " You have a (laughter. Captain Reeco. Ten female cousins and a niece, A ma (if what I'm told is true), Six sisterd and an aunt or two. •' Now, somehow, sir, it auems to mo More friendly like wo ail should be, If you united of 'em to Unmarried memboi s of the crow. "If you'd ameliorate our lifo, Let each eoloet from them a wife; And as for nervous me, old pal, uive me your own enchanting gal!" Good Captain Roece, that worthy man, Debated on bis coxswain's plan, " I quite agree," ho said. " Oh, Bill; It ia my duty, and I will. "My daughter, that onclioiiting girl, Hub just been promised to un ourl. And all my other famileo To peers of various high degree. " But what are dukes and vi«counts to The happiness of all my crew. Tho word I give you I'll fulfil; It is my duty, and 1 will. "Aa you desire it shall befall; I'll settle thousands on you all; And 1 shall be, despite my hoard, The only bachelor on board." The boatswain of the Mantolpioco He blushed and spoke to Cuptain Reeco : "I beg your honor's 1. avo," ho said ; "If you would wish to go and wed, " I havo a widowed mother who Would be the very thing for you She loan has loved you from afar— She wishes for you, Cuptnin R." Tlio Captain saw tho dame that day, Addressed her in ia playful way— "And did it want a wedding-ring ? It was a tempting icicle sing I " Well, woll, tho chaplain I will seek, Wo'll all bo married ibis day wook. At yonder church upon tho hill: It is my duty, und I will I" Tho sisters, cousins, aunts, and noice And widowed ma of Capt'iin Roece, Attended there us thoy were bid; It was their duty, and they did. —VV. 8. Gl-lIKUT.