"GOOD SIR JOHN!"
(To Sir John Gilbert, R.A., on his receiving the Freedom of the City.
By an Old Boy.)
Good Black (and White) Knight,
Our youth's joint delight,
With that other Black Knight, dear Sir Walter's
(Whom you pictured well),
Ancient memories swell,
Till language, in praising you, falters.
You drew, with such dash,
All our heroes; they flash
On our memories. Ah, we thanked you so
For Dons, Rosinantes,
And Sanchos (Cervantes!)
"Leather-Stocking," and Robinson Crusoe.
Our fancies still carry
Your (Shakspeare's) King Harry,
We know our own boyhood's sound slumbers
Were haunted by Pucks,
Robin Hoods, Friar Tucks,
And scenes from your brave Christmas Numbers.
God bless you, Sir John,
For your Knight and your Don,
Who moved our youth's fervour and pity!
Sure every Old Boy
Hopes you long may enjoy
The freedom (and health) of our City!