A MAIDEN VOYAGE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 123, 15 May 1908, Page 4

A MAIDEN VOYAGE

A dusky king sat on his throne, Erected in tile torrid zone. Ilis kingdom was an island small, Where taxes neither rise nor fall; Ilis sceptre, once a lion's jaw; Each word, an undisputed law. And many a bright and glowing gem Bedecked his kingly diadem. Hut midst his regal pomp and pride Then' wa ri one thing that Fate denied lliis dusky potentate did not Possess a single royal yacht. Amidst his many forms of joy, Ife often cast a longing eye Far oil' across the heaving sea— King of the waves lie fain would be. Till, when n mighty storm was o'er A ship was cast upon the shore, file happy monarch climbed on board; To put to sea he gave the word; And holding on with steadfast grip He set forth on h>a maiden trip; And gazing round the prospect cleai, He blandly smiled from ear to ear.

But as the vessel rose and fell Upon the undulating swoll, A worried look the monarch bore— He'd never Iclt like that before, hi every face lie saw around, ✓ the same dejected look was found. \V hen they returned from that dread ride J.hey luing in clusters o'er the side; A very sea-sick monarch he, And very il] his company. Whoever else may use that yacht, this dusky potentate will not! —Herbert Brandon.