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by Mabel Constanduros and Michael Hogan (1933)
Illustrations by John Hassall
Sam goes to the king to receive a medal for bravery, and despite his apparent cavalier attitude to people he meets on the way (guardsman, Archbishop and Prime Minister), Sam was probably over-awed by the experience: "And stood in 'oly 'ush" ('holy hush').
The bravery medal was for saving his sergeant's life during the Battle of Waterloo, for which he was to receive the Victoria Cross.
In the end, Sam didn't get his medal, for two daft reasons: Firstly, he gave an honest answer to the king, and secondly the V. C. was instituted during the Crimean war, 50 years after the Battle of Waterloo.
But Sam knew his priorities.
You've 'eard of Samuel Small, per'aps? At Waterloo 'e fought and bled, So Sam came up to Palace Gates, | |
The Sentry stopped and looked at Sam, "Well, go on in," said Sentry, "Quick!" Well, Sam pushed open Palace Door Archbishop in a red cocked 'at, "Don't loiter, then," says Bishop, sharp, |
Sam meets the Archbishop |
Upstairs Sam met Prime Minister, "'E glanced at Sam all 'aughty-like "Well, don't keep King all night," 'e said, |
But when Sam came on King and Queen, Sam grasped the situation like "Tha' must be Samuel Small," said King. "Don't be impatient, Sam," says King, "The V.C.'s granted Samuel Small |
Sam meets the Prime Minister |
Sergeant waving a jar of rum |
"Dragged 'im to safety under fire "Well now," said Sam, "'twas like this 'ere - "And just as we was lettin' forth |
"I rushed and grabbed the precious jar; "But if there'd been no rum," said King, "Did you 'ear that?" said King to Queen. |
Saving rum and sergeant's life |
One of the most popular stories of Waterloo; Les Misérables