Ballad: Captain Reece
Of all the ships upon the blue, No ship contained a better crew Than
that of worthy CAPTAIN REECE, Commanding of THE
MANTELPIECE.
He was adored by all his men, For worthy CAPTAIN REECE, R.N.,
Did all that lay within him to Promote the comfort of his crew.
If ever they were dull or sad, Their captain danced to them like mad,
Or told, to make the time pass by, Droll legends of his infancy.
A feather bed had every man, Warm slippers and hot-water can, Brown
windsor from the captain\'s store, A valet, too, to every four.
Did they with thirst in summer burn, Lo, seltzogenes at every turn,
And on all very sultry days Cream ices handed round on trays.
Then currant wine and ginger pops Stood handily on all the "tops;"
And also, with amusement rife, A "Zoetrope, or Wheel of Life."
New volumes came across the sea From MISTER MUDIE\'S libraree;
THE TIMES and SATURDAY REVIEW Beguiled the leisure of the crew.
Kind-hearted CAPTAIN REECE, R.N., Was quite devoted to his men;
In point of fact, good CAPTAIN REECE Beatified THE MANTELPIECE.
One summer eve, at half-past ten, He said (addressing all his men):
"Come, tell me, please, what I can do To please and gratify my crew.
"By any reasonable plan I\'ll make you happy if I can; My own
convenience count as NIL: It is my duty, and I will."