DARK BLUE

O Statesmen who devise and plot

To keep the White above the Black,

Who tremble when your bolt is shot

Lest love and loyalty grow slack,

There's not a deed of craftsmanship,

There's not a thing Red Tape can do,

Shall knit the Hindoo with the Celt

As much as this — the Cambridge Blue!

No million acres of Despatch,

No tanks of governmental ink,

Can force a native not to watch

For days when England's star may sink.

Build factories to weave the tape,

Make tables for the rice and dew —

Do all your best, and you shall miss

The binding force of Cambridge Blue!

An Indian gentleman to-day

Has staled your tortoise policy;

And thousands cheer to see him play,

A splendid batsman, quick and free.

A game shall dwindle all your cares,

A clever catch and runs a few!

A Parliament may fail indeed,

But not the band of Cambridge Blue!