"ENGLAND, HOME, AND BEAUTY!"
["I am quite proud to think that my son marries one who was born in this country, has been educated in this country, and has the feelings of an Englishwoman."—H.R.H. the Prince of Wales at the Civil Service Dinner.]
The Prince's word will strike a chord
Of sympathy and pleasure
In English hearts. Not from abroad
Young CLARENCE brought his treasure.
He finds his MAY in British mead;
'Tis Punch's pleasant duty
The old chorus once again to lead,
"For England, Home, and Beauty!"
England!—the fair betrothed was born
Within the seas that bind us;
Home!—not from far court-precincts torn,
This Princess comes to find us.
Beauty!—well, look upon that face,
Whilst PUNCHIUS Cupid hovers,
With crowning wreath and genial grace,
Above the Royal lovers.
Fair home-grown flower, bright English MAY,
Whose promise cheers December,
And who will make "wild March" so gay;
Punch can right well remember.
Betrothals many, bridals too,
Your lover's sire's among them,
And with a loyalty frank yet true
Has generally sung them.
And so for you he bath a stave,
Latest of the bright bevy.
On gentle hearts and spirits brave
The toll of love you'll levy.
We trust that fortune may prove fair,
And life's long pathway rosy,
And love attend the Royal pair,
The young "Promessi Sposi."
An English bridal it will be
When March brings round the spring time,
And English hearts will hail with glee
The coming of the ring-time.
Punch—like his Prince—is "proud to think"
It then will be his duty,
Once more the fine old toast to drink—
"For England, Home, and Beauty!"