Three bold sailormen all went a-sailin' Out into the Northern Sea, And they steered Nor'-West by three quarters West Till they came to Norwegee. They was three bold men as ever you'd see, And these was their Christian names: There was Long-legged Bill and Curly Dick, And the third was Bo'sen James;-- And they went to catch the Great Sea-Sarpint, Which they wished for to stop his games. [Illustration] Long-legged Bill was in the main-top a-watchin' For Sea-Sarpints, starn and grim, When through the lee-scupper bold Curly Dick peeped, And he says, says he, "That's him!" Then quick down the rattlins the long-legged 'un slid-- Which pale as a shrimp was he-- While Dick he rolled forrard into the cuddy, Where Bo'sen James happened to be, For James he was what you'd call the ship's cook, And he was a-makin' the tea. Then says Curly Dick, says he, "Bless my peepers!" (Which his words were not quite those) "Here's the Great Sea-Sarpint a-comin' aboard, With a wart upon his nose! Which his head's as big as the jolly-boat, And his mouth's as wide as the Thames, And his mane's as long as the best bower cable, And his eyes like blazin' flames-- And he's comin' aboard right through the lee-scupper!" "Belay there!" says Bo'sen James. Howsever, bold Bo'sen he went down to leeward, While Curly Dick shook with funk; And Long-legged Bill he hid in the caboose, A-yellin' "We'll all be sunk!" You might a'most heard a marlinspike drop As Bo'sen James he looked out. Then down through the scupper his head it went, And there came a tremenjous shout, "Sea-Sarpint be blowed, ye darned landlubbers! Who's left this here mop hangin' out?" [Illustration] * * * * * A WORD TO THE Y.'S AT HENLEY.--Try again; you will be Yale-fellow, well met! * * * * * HINTS FOR HENLEY (_At the Service of Visitors wishing to be comfortable_) Take care to be invited to the best situated houseboat. If you can, get permission to ask a few friends to join your host's party at luncheon. Be sure to secure the pleasantest seat, the most amusing neighbour, and all the periodicals. If you are conversationally inclined, monopolise the talk, and if you are not, plead a headache for keeping every one silent. Mind that "No. 1" is your particular numerical distinction, and that the happiness of the rest of the world is a negligible quantity. If you are a man, keep smoking cigars and sipping refreshing beverages until it is time to eat and drink seriously; if you are of the other sex, flirt, chatter, or sleep, as the impulse moves you. And when you are quite, _quite_ sure that you have nothing better to do, give a glance to the racing! * * * * * [Illustration: HOPE DEFERRED