[_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 ...
Yet now those deeds seem mighty small
You dared in the chase for a leather ball--
Now that you trip
On His Majesty's Ship
Playing the finest game of all!
A year ago, a naval fight
Was a tantalising dim delight
That fed your dreams on a Wednesday night,
When History prep. was through.
Yet yours was a Destiny strong and clear
That ever, unknown, was stalking near;
And now in a flash, it's here, it's here--
Now are your dreams come true!...
There are grey old admirals in our land
Who never have stood where now you stand,
Here on your feet
In His Majesty's Fleet--
_With a real live enemy hard at hand!_
* * * * *