NELSON CHATS TO BEATTY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14841, 19 February 1919, Page 8

NELSON CHATS TO BEATTY.

Here are some lively verses by a poet m the London Times who is modest enougn to sign himself "Union Jack." He teils what happened a few days ago when the restless spirit of Nelson came along for a talk with Admiral Beatty on that day— When the German snips came out of the Bight, But it can't be said it was much of a* flght ' ■*. » That grey November, morning; The wonderful day, the great Der Tag, Which Prussians had vow'd with unmannerly brag Should see Old England lower her flag Some grey November morning. The spirit of Nelson, that haunts the Fleet, Had come whereabouts the ships must meet, But he fear'd there was some decoy or cheat That grey November morning, When the enemy led by a _:'ritish scout Stole 'twixt oui* lines . . . and never a shout Or a signal; and never a gun spoke out That grey November morning. So he shaped his course -to the Admiral's ship, • Where. Beatty stood with hand on hip Impassive, .nor ever moved his lip That grey November mornning-; And touching his shoulder lie Said: "My mate, Am I come too soon or am I too late? Is it friendly manoeuvres or pageant of State This grey November morning?" Then Beatty said: "As Admiral here In the name of the King I bid you good cheer; It's not my fault that it looks so queer This grey November morning; But there come the enemy all m queues; They can flght well enough if only they choose; Small blame to me if the fools refuse, This grey November morning. Then Nelson said: "God bless my 60Ul! How things are changed m this age of coal; ' For the spittle it isn't with you I'd condole Tliis grey November morning. y By George you've netted 1 a monstrous • catch; You'll % able 1o pen the best "dispatch That ever an Admiral wrote under hatch Ort vit grey November morning. .-v--.- V, ■■ -\ like your lo.Qks\nna I like your v name: My /^art g6os x out ;to the old fleet's And % OThV Season 'so find you so spry at the^me . This gr«Y November morning »W '?$$ tk) ' l <loin ' t half understand Ihel^DuSlq, nre 'stouter- and better mann'd ; Than anyqiins i^ev had m command On a gxey November morning." Then Beatty spoice.- '^^ none of mv crejfj-, - -- y .- v All bravest of brave and truest of true Is thinking of me so much as of you ' This grey November moi*«Jng." And Nelson replied: "Well, ibante f'your chat. , .-, Forgive my intrusion! I take off"" my hat ■ ' ■ • V And make you my how . . . we'll le„ce it at that. ■' **„ Tnls grey November morning."