To the great cause of Freedom, drink my friends,
And the great name of England round and round."
On this poem getting into the papers, the Good Templars attached far too much importance to it, and wrote to remonstrate with the Poet Laureate. The following reply was sent to Mr. Malins, the Chief Templar:—
"86, Eaton-square, London,—Sir,—My father begs to thank the Committee of the Executive of the Grand Lodge of England Good Templars for their resolution. No one honours more highly the good work done by them than my father. I must, however, ask you to remember that the common cup has in all ages been employed as a sacred symbol of unity, and that my father has only used the word 'drink' in reference to this symbol. I much regret that it should have been otherwise understood.—Faithfully yours,
HALLAM TENNYSON."
The following parody, adverting to this correspondence, appeared in Punch, April 1, 1882:—
SLOPS ALL ROUND!
Tennyson Teetotalised.
[The Manchester Good Templars having expostulated with the Poet Laureate for countenancing "in his latest so-called patriotic song, Hands all Round," the heathen and intoxicating custom of drinking toasts (in anything stronger than toast and water) it is understood that the conscience-stricken Bard has prepared the following "revised version" for the special use of the I. O. G. T's.]
FIRST pledge the Alliance, friends, and then
A health to WILFRID, champion dear!