Then Louis rose, and looked at John,
And spoke of days gone by,
When he would not have seen his friend,
Have blackened Johnny’s eye.
And as for giving in, friend John,
I’ll do nothing of the sort;
Do you think I’ll be a laughing stock
For everybody’s sport.
This conversation that took place
Made pious Willy grin,
And told John Bull to hold his noise,
’Twas nought to do with him.
These words to John did make him stare,
And, finding to his shame,
That them were worse that did look on,
Than them that played the game.
Now Dame Europe knew the facts
Which had been going on,
And with her usual dignity,
These words addressed to John:
Now, Mr. Bull, pray answer me,—
Why are you gaping here?
You are my famous deputy,
Then why not interfere?
Why, answered John, and made a bow,
But yet was very shy;
I was told to be a neutral, ma’am,
And that’s the reason why.
That’s just what you should not have done,
Being in authority;
Did I not place you in that bunk
To think and act for me?
Why any baby in the house
Could not have done much worse,
But I fancy you’ve been holding back
To save your private purse.
Neutrality is as fine a word
As ever a coward used,
So the honour that I gave to you
You shouldn’t have abused.