THE White Men are a noble band
(Though TIPPOO swears they're not),
Their valour is tremendous, and
They know an awful lot,
If anything you'd learn, and meet
A White Man on the way,
Ask _him_. You'll find him a complete
En-cy-clo-pae-di-a.
_Chorus._
If you want to know, you know,
Ask a White Man!
Near Nyanza or Congo,
Ask a White Man!
In Uganda I am King,
Yet _I_ don't know everything.
If you want to know, you know,
Ask a White Man!
If you would learn how best to fight
Your way through regions queer,
Thread forest mazes dark as night,
And deserts dim and drear!
If you your rival's roads would shut,
And get his in your grip;
You go to him, he's artful, but
He'll give you the straight tip.
_Chorus._
If you'd know your way about,
Ask a White Man!
He knows every in and out
Does a White Man!
He will tell you like a shot
If the roads are good or not;
He can open up the lot,
Ask a White Man!
And if about the Angels you
Feel cu-ri-os-i-ty,
For information prompt and true,
To a White Man apply.
_He_ knows 'em, and, indeed, 'tis said
Himself is _almost_ such.
His "words of wisdom" on this head
Will interest you much.
_Chorus._
If you want to shoot and drink,
Ask a White Man!
He can help you there, I think.
Ask a White Man!
If you'll learn to grab and fight,
And be mutually polite,
And observe the laws of Right,
Ask a White Man!
* * * * *