In the Grand Fleet.
[There are over 500 naval cadets, aged 15 to 17, at present in the Fleet, serving as midshipmen.]
Young man, a little year ago
At Osborne (where the admirals grow)
I saw you fall on a mimic foe
With tackle and shove and thrust.
There by the jolly trim canteen,
Where the figure-head flaunts her golden sheen,
You fought, or cheered, for your Term fifteen,
As a fellow of mettle must ...