Happy Jack, and Other Tales of the SeaKingston, William Henry Giles
General
Happy Jack, and Other Tales of the Sea
Kingston, William Henry Giles
Sea stories
George the Third, as is well known, was very fond of spending the summer
months at Weymouth, whence he could easily put to sea in his yacht, or
on board a man-of-war, placed at his disposal. He seemed never to tire
of sailing, especially with Sir Harry.
Whist was the constant game in the royal cabins. Sir Harry, who did
everything as well as he could, though far from a good player, often
beat the King, who was an indifferent one. Lord A--, a practised
courtier, was, on the contrary, a remarkably good one, and generally
beat Sir Harry. When, however, Lord A--played with the King, His
Majesty always came off victorious. The King used to pretend to be
exceedingly puzzled.
"It's very odd--very odd. I beat Lord A--, Lord A--beats Sir Harry, and
Sir Harry beats me. How can it be--how can it be?"
The King was always anxious to stand out to sea, so as to lose sight of
land. This, however, was too dangerous an amusement to allow him. Sir
Harry's plan was to put the ship's head off-shore, and to make all sail.
This satisfied the King, who was then easily persuaded to go below to
luncheon, dinner, or tea, or to indulge in his favourite game. Sail was
soon again quietly shortened, and the ship headed in for the shore.
Sometimes the King seemed rather surprised that we should have made the
land again so soon; but whether or not he suspected a trick, I cannot
say. His only remark was, "All right, Sir Harry; you are always right."
It was impossible for a monarch to be more condescending and affable
than was the good old King to all on board. He used to go among the
men, and talk to them in the most familiar way, inquiring about their
adventures and family histories, and evidently showing a sympathy with
their feelings and ideas. Did they love the old King? Ay, there was
not a man of them who would not gladly have died for him. It was the
same with the midshipmen and officers. He used to delight in calling up
us youngsters, and would chat with us as familiarly as would any private
gentleman. He showed his real disposition, when able thus to cast aside
the cares of state, and to give way to the kindly feelings of his heart.
I say again, in that respect the King and his captain were worthy of
each other. The following anecdote will prove it:--
We had gone to Portsmouth, leaving the King at Weymouth, and were
returning through the Needles, when, as we got off Poole harbour, a
small boat, with three people in her, was seen a little on the starboard
bow. One man was rowing, the other two persons were beckoning,
evidently towards the ship. As we drew near, we saw, through our
glasses, that the two people were an old man and woman, and, as we
appeared to be passing them, their gestures became more and more
vehement. Many captains would have laughed, or taken no notice of the
old people. Not so Sir Harry--he had a feeling for everyone. Ordering
the ship to be hove-to, he allowed the boat to come alongside.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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