I built a castle on the shore, And left to guard it three or four Lead soldiers of the bravest sort, And ordered them to hold the fort Till I should come once more. But when I came again next day, I found the sea had washed away My castle built upon the sand. Alas! the gallant little band Of soldiers, where were they? Buried in sand, erect, and square, They held the fort with martial air; And when I’d said a little speech, I dug them out and made them each A general then and there. |