< Page:The Seven Seas (Kipling, 1896).djvu
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
153
THE MARY GLOSTER
Easy bearings to carry—three South—three to the dot;

But I gave M'Andrews a copy in case of dying—or not.
And so you'll write to M'Andrews, he's Chief of the Maori Line;
They'll give him leave, if you ask 'em and say it's business o' mine.
I built three boats for the Maoris, an' very well pleased they were,
An' I've known Mac since the Fifties, and Mac knew me—and her.
After the first stroke warned me I sent him the money to keep
Against the time you'd claim it, committin' your dad to the deep;
For you are the son o' my body, and Mac was my oldest friend,
I've never asked 'im to dinner, but he'll see it out to the end,
Stiff-necked Glasgow beggar, I've heard he's prayed for my soul,

But he couldn't lie if you paid him, and he'd starve before he stole!
This article is issued from Wikisource. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.