"MY BOYS."

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 100, 2 May 1885, Page 7

"MY BOYS."

The principal cartoon in a recent issue of "Punch" represents the British lion reviewing his cubs — supposed to represent the Australian and Canadian contingents— who aremaroliir q on in admirable order to the encampment in the distance. The following- lines accompany the cartoon :—: — Air— "My Queen/ " Leo Bmanaicu* loquitur" :—: — When and how I may lmv« to meet then), My banded foes, in a mighty fray, Where Ish til have to face— and beat, — ' them, I know not, but 'twill come unino day. And what care I whilst t see around me, ' Musterng up with minful noise, The lads who in Icve-lmks frcbh have bound mo, Those whom I look on, my Boys, my Boys! Long I have dreamt of them, growing 1 grertly, The lads Hove, netting big and bright; And the way they have shot up and strengthened lately Mu c tfiil a father with fond delight. And we all are proud, from our Hoyal Lady To the humblest hind who the sight enjoys, T i see them, loyal, alert, and ready io do their devoir, my Boys, my Boys ! Croakers chilly and melancholy Piophesy \\U to the lale I love, But genuine Britons, high born or lowly, i Have pluck such a puling spirit above. And I'll trust my home co their stalwart keeping, But, upon my honor it swells my joys, And »ets my bloud through my veins swift leaping, To see you coming, my Boys, my Boys! Look at them, look at them, gaily trooping Up to the Standard, the old, old flag 1 Slips of the stock there is no up-cooping, Talking the tongue that no tyrants gag. Like youni* lions, to help the old one, Swift of footfall, and firm of poise, ByUeorge, that^oeman will be a bold ooe Who'll face us banded, my Boys, my Boys! They fancy, <?o they? Old England's Blighters, My claws are cut and my e^es are dim, That he aforetime the first of fighters, Is Blow of spil it and slack of limb ? Well, well, they maybe will find the'r error, And needles* roaring is empty noise ; But they'll hardly t>trike me with abject terror I When I see you round me, my Boys, my Boys J Who was it said I was fond of snubbing The stalwart slips that should be my pride ? Duffers ! The war-drums rub-a- dubbing Soon finds us ranged on the self-same side, Here's their answer ! Such Volunteering As this should shame them. My heart it joys To see your muster, to hear your cheering. Best thanks, and bless you, my Boys, my Boys ! I'd trubt my honor to your stout keeping, I'd — well, on manhood gush quickly cloys ; But chill in my heart must the blood go creeping Ere I cease to love you, my Boys, my Boys !