Page:Departmental Ditties and Ballads and Barrack-Room Ballads, Kipling, 1899.djvu/26

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DELILAH

Perhaps Delilah's eyes were bright—Delilah's whispers sweet—
The Aged Member told her what 'twere treason to repeat.


Ulysses went a-riding, and they talked of love and flowers;
Ulysses went a-calling, and he called for several hours;
Ulysses went a-waltzing, and Delilah helped him dance—
Ulysses let the waltzes go, and waited for his chance.


The summer sun was setting, and the summer air was still,
The couple went a-walking in the shade of Summer Hill,
The wasteful sunset faded out in turkis-green and gold,
Ulysses pleaded softly, and ... that bad Delilah told!


Next morn, a startled Empire learnt the all-important News;

Next week, the Aged Councillor was shaking in his shoes;