Volume 156 — EARLY ONE MORNING.
Reading edition
Bound South from Japan to the port of Hong Kong We fell in with a little junk blowing along; We met her all bright at the breaking of day, And we gave her good-morning and passed on our way. She had stretched her red sails like the wings of a bat, And light, like a gull, on the water she sat; She had two big bright eyes for to keep a look-out; On her stern there were dragons cavorting about. And Mrs. Ah Fit by the kitchen did sit Preparing some breakfast for Mr. Ah Fit, The gentleman who, as we saw when we neared her, By waggling the tickle-stick skilfully, steered her. The little Fit men and the little Fit maids Were playing at tig round the brass carronades, And with all the delight of a juvenile Briton The littlest Ah Fitlet was plucking the kitten. With a "How do you do, Sir?" and "Hip, hip, hooray!" 'Twas so they blew by at the breaking of day.
Comedian (who has been instructed to modify his humour to suit the taste of a select audience at a charity performance at the local theatre). "THERE YOU ARE! NOT A LAUGH! THIS IS WOT COMES OF YOUR 'FUNNY WITHOUT BEIN' VULGAR'!"
