[85]
]

OLD BILL BATES

[86] ]No, thanks, Mister, I’ve no message—since I’ve opened out my drum,

Where a suit o’ tailor’s clobber pulls the strings;

But (I wouldn’t say it public) I am feelin’ pretty glum

When I start a-cogitatin’ about things:

But you’ll find a hearty welcome where the sky begins ter dip,

Out where mates is mostly men, and men is mates,

And I wish yer luck ... and say!