We English people, be that as it may, have among us the best nursing for love and the worst nursing for money that can be got in Europe.

The captain related an old yarn.

In my children's arms, in my children's eyes / there is love and anguish and knowing too wise / for this piddledunk world and its spinachy ways / its clambersome nights and blistering days / I offer my arms for their snuggletug ease / for their dream down wares and their 'zactly stuff, please God / let it be enough

• So, we'll buy the green one, then?
• As you like.