POOR OLD ENGLAND.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 30, 27 April 1878, Page 4

POOR OLD ENGLAND.

Dedicated to D. M. L kie. (From '• Punch.") I'm a very fine Old Lady, and the wonder of the world. On every sea my keels float froc, my bannor is unfurled ; But neithor pluck, nor power, nor luck, my stout old soul preserves From frequent fits of fidgets, and from bud attacks of nerves.

Despite my flag the world "will" wag, at a perplexing pace, A fact, you see, that taxes mo to hold the foremost place; It's mine by right, but then to fight, and keep up fleets and things, Is a burden that no end of work and botheration brings.

"In statu quo ? " Precisely so. I'm very well content; As I've all I want at present, new arrungomonts I'd prevent; Why can't all parties do the like, in pcaco and quiet dwell, And so preserve the state of things that suits my book so well ?

But bless you, no! They want to "grow," to grab whero grub they can, And some have got the cheek to say that used to bo " my " plan; Perhaps, but I know bettor now. Why can't they learn of me, To settle down on their own lots and live conteutedlie 1

But when thoy baulk my little schemes, or get into my way. Block paths which I do.vire to use, or " may " desire sonio day ; It puts me dreadfully about, it makes mo very cross, I "can'i" look on nt other's gain which may portend my loss !

I've got a lot of land übout, a longish way from homo; Others are bound to cross y.iy paths whereever they may roam; But then they shouldn't Jiang about or settle near my tract". As though they thought my game was good, and aimed ut going snacks.

Ah! snacks, that's it. There's not a bit of pickings I have got But what they'd like to nibble at, or maybe holt the lot. They're welcome, quite, to forage for themselves in other places, But then they ought to cry " Hold hard ! " whene'er thoy spy "my " traces.

It worries me. I do not want to spend a lot more cash In all sorts of insurances to save myself from smash. Some tell mo that to guard my game I must not grudge expense, But I hold disarming others is the cheapest self-defence.

They musn't grow so powerful as to give me cause for fear ; Wherever I may wish to go all roads must be kept clear ; All gateways open wido to me with no one to take toll— That's patriotic policy, and soothing to my eouL

I'm a wonderful old woman, but my nerves are waxing weak, To hold my own in quietness is all [that now I seek. Why can't the nations all keep still, like well-conducted boys And not disturb my peaco of mind by kicking up a noise f