Norman Rowland Gale

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!