And straight from out the stately fort
The balls were flying free;
Each gallant rubbed his smitten nose,
And eke his eye rubbed he.
They looked within the stately fort,
To see who aimed so well;
And there was little Reginald,
And youthful Samuel.
They lifted up those little lads,
Each by his waisty-band;
And down beside that lady pale
They set them on the sand.
And first that lady waxed more pale,
And syne she waxed full red;
And syne she kissed those little boys,
But not a word she said.
Then up and spoke those gallants gay,
"You naughty little chaps,
Your poor mamma you've frightened sore,
And made her ill, perhaps.
"And if you are not shaken well,
And if you are not spanked,
It will not be your uncles' fault;
So they need not be thanked."
Then up and spoke those little lads,
All mournful as they sat;
And each did cry, "Ah, woe is me!
I've lost—my nice—new—hat!"
Then up and spoke that lady fair,
"Nay, nay, my little dears,
You sha'n't be spanked! so come with me,
And wipe away your tears.
"There be more hats in Boston town,
For little boys to wear;
And as for those that you have lost,
I pray their voyage be fair.
"For since I have my little lads,
The hats may sail away
Around the world and back again,
Forever and a day!"