142 CAMPBELL
With folded arms Napoleon stood, Serene alike in peace and danger;
And, in his wonted attitude, Addressed the stranger :
'Rash man, that wouldst yon Channel pass On twigs and staves so rudely fashioned;
Thy heart with some sweet British lass Must be impassioned. '
'I have no sweetheart,' said the lad;
'But absent long from one another Great was the longing that I had
To see my mother.'
'And so thou shalt, ' Napoleon said, 'Ye've both my favour fairly won;
A noble mother must have bred So brave a son. '
He gave the tar a piece of gold,
And, with a flag of truce, commanded
He should be shipped to England Old, And safely landed.
Our sailor oft could scantly shift To find a dinner, plain and hearty;
But never changed the coin and gift Of Bonaparte".
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