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THE NEUTRAL ENGLISH GENTLEMAN. 13
things and particularly behind her in military and naval affairs, we cannot really see— This neutral English gentleman, one of the modern time.
He deals in Christianity—Episcopalian brand— And sends his missionaries forth to bully heathen-land; Just mention "slavery" to him, and, with a joyous sigh, He'll say it's 'orrid, scandalous, although he is ready to fight for the cotton raised by slaves, and forgets how he bothered the Chinese to make them take opium; and blew the Sepoys from the guns because the poor devils refused to be enslaved by the East India Company, or phi-lan-thro-py— This neutral English gentleman, one of the modern time.
He yields to Brother Jonathan a love that passeth show: " We're Hanglo-Saxons, both of us, and can't be foes, you
know"— But, as a Christian gentleman, he cannot, cannot hide His horror of the spectacle of four millions of black beiaga being held in bondage by a nation professing the largest liberty in the world; though, in case of an anti-slavery crusade, the interest of his Manchester factors would imperatively forbid him to take part on either side— This neutral English gentleman, one of the modern time.
Now seeing the said Jonathan by base rebellion stirred, And battling with pro-slavery, it might be thence inferred That British hearts would be with us in this most holy strife; But instead of that, John Bull's sympathy is labelled " Neutrality," and consigned to any rebel port not too closely blockaded to permit English vessels loaded with munitions to slip in. And when you ask Mr. Bull what he meant by his inconsistent conduct, he becomes notoriously indignant, rolls up his eyes, and says, "I can't endure to see brothers murdering each other, and keeping me out of my cotton—I can't, upon my life"— This neutral British gentleman, one of the modern time.
Supposing Mr. Bull should die, the question might arise, " Will he be wanted down below, or wafted to the skies ?" 2 |
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