Volume 98 — A RATEPAYER'S REPLY.

Your story's good, Stanhope, as far as it runs, For John Bull, at last, looks like getting his guns. But though you talk big on the strength of the four With which you've just managed to arm Singapore, We would like you to state precisely how long 'Twill take you to get the next batch to Hong Kong! For you talk in a not very confident way Of those that are destined to guard Table Bay. Your speech, too, with doubt seems decidedly laden, When noting the present defences of Aden. Though you finish the list with the news, meant to cheer That Ceylon "should be" safe by the end of the year. You think, to sum up, that a gratified nation Should greet your glad statement with wild jubilation! Well, the country does not get too often a chance Of an honest excuse for a genuine dance, And would step it quite gladly, if only assured It could once from old dodges feel safely secured, Being certain its guns, before setting to caper, Do not exist merely on War-Office paper!