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by Mabel Constanduros (1933)
For readers without the advantage of an education in Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc., "Left. Bird" in the fourth verse refers to "Lieutenant Bird". Military units with Commonwealth ties spell the rank as either the archaic "Leftenant" or the later French "Lieutenant", but the pronunciation is almost invariably "Leftenant".
We also see use of the word "gradely" in this poem, which is provincial English for something that has made the grade.
Perhaps for most readers, neither of the above two snippets are particularly useful, but please make a note of the toast at the end of this poem: You never know when you might need it.
And if you are an abstentionist, don't deny anyone the opportunity of toasting your health. Good health is relative, and since alcohol can make people sick, the corollary is that imbibers can improve the relative health of teetotallers.
Sam Small, though approaching his eightieth year There was old ale and sandwiches, beer and cold tongue, Sam's captain were there from his old army days, First Left. Bird volunteered for a song, Then Captain jumped up, said he'd not be outdone, He'd start a bit husky, but nothing to last, As his last trembling note died away in a gulp And it were. Up he rode on his lovely white horse. "Gradely, lad," said the Duke, condescending and kind. |
Photo by Tim 'Avatar' Bartel Do you enjoy drinking? Many do, and there's Biblical support for it (click here). Actually there's also Biblical support against alcohol (click here). Confused? See Rethinking Drinking |
Then a thunderous banging was heard on t'door Sam opened the door. There he stood, George IV, "Thee told us," said King, "when we come up thy way They hung up their crowns on the stand in the hall. Then they all clapped their hands and sung out aloud, "Now friends, here's a health to all those that I love, |