AND so your prosperous days have passed away from you, John;
And empty have grown your pockets, and all your customers gone;
And the Government still keep talking—they never were over-wise;
Never fit to rule you, John—but you wouldn't take my advice.
For, John, do you see, the Tories were never the men to save;
It doesn't look well to be mean while Britannia rules the wave:
Swagger enough—lots of swagger—but it all costs money, you know.
And so your grandfather found, John, some seventy years ago!
For I remember the troubles that vexed your grandfather, John,
Stripped every rag off his back, to the very shirt he had on;