23.
‘A boat, aye, a boat! why there’s reason in that,’
Boney cries with a scowl of delight, Sir;
For the truth must be told,
He knew Talley of old,
And felt in a devilish fright, Sir.
24.
Boney thought that the boat was a much safer plan,
He voted the counsel discreet, Sir;
Quoth Talley ‘’Tis done,
And the day is your own,
Just—take—care—to avoid the Fleet, Sir.’
25.
Talley cautiously then let the little man down,
When the little man softened his features;
Yet though little in size, Sir,
His soul is as high, Sir,
As the cross at the top of Saint Peter’s.
26.
Little Boney shook hands then with Talley the good;
(And thought how he best might dispatch him)
Whilst Talley as meek,
Kiss’d the Mussulman’s cheek,
(And swore in his heart to o’er match him.)
27.
They drank to their hopes—hob a nobb’d to their scheme,
Which promis’d such royal diversion;
Thus cordial they sat,
And, in harmless chit chat,
Sketch’d the plan of this water excursion.