[27]. This is an allusion to one Kissels, who had been getting his living by exhibiting a whale’s skeleton at Amsterdam, and joined the Belgian side on the outbreak of the war.
[28]. A Flemish expletive.
[29]. “Up with Orange!” the Dutch national war-cry.
[30]. I.e., is born to be hanged. The site of the gallows is the Rabenstein in old German ballads.
[31]. “Grease” here has the sense of what is figuratively called “palm-oil.”
[32]. An illustration of comfortable, “Philistine” selfishness. The pumping is supposed to be going on either on board a leaking vessel, or at a break in the dykes.
[33]. I.e., cotton and pepper.
[34]. This is puzzling at first sight, but apparently is a comparison between the three nations in point of foresight and prudence,—the knife standing for anything needed in case of emergencies. The Hollander is always prepared, the Frenchman never, the Scot makes assurance doubly sure.
[35]. Another uncomplimentary proverb has it that the Portuguese apprentice wants to cut out clothes before he knows how to sew.
[36]. Lit. “Madam my consort.”