Table of contents

Ed: Please note I have broken these down into broad date blocks. You will find that some pieces appear in the incorrect section.
This is to keep to the original compilation order.

To Winston Churchill Esq

1

There’s deadly poison in your bread,
It fires your blood and brain:
With noble thoughts no longer blest
You seek for peace in vain.

                     2

Your words, your acts, but only show
How venomous you are;
From your chang’d heart those passions,
Which man for ever mar.

        3

Illustrious birth and famous name
Aid you in your career,
And yet through passion, you but shame
What you should most revere.

25/7/05

To Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman Prime Minister

In pow’r, CB, you’re somewhat queer
You’re glum as all can tell
You’ve lost your head it would appear
And courtesy as well.
Rear once again your crest, CB,
Be tactful, courteous, bright;
You have a great majority -
What more need you, to fight?

R. O’Neal

14th March 1906

On reading Mr Winston Churchill’s “Personal” attack on Mr J Chamberlain

in the debate on indentured labour in the
Transvaal, last night 21/3/06

_________________

With words of wrath and glaring eyes
With nerves & heart on fire
He to the Greatest foe replies
Who scorns the pigmy’s ire.

RO’N
22/3/06

They’ve put him in and now’s the puzzle
How best to curb his tongue completely;
Try all you can with rein and muzzle!
He still will talk but not discreetly!

R’ON
25/3/06

“Unless the cabinet muzzle Mr Winston
Churchill they will bring themselves
into a disastrous conflict with the colonies”
Mr JR MacDonald MP in “Leicester Pioneer”

 (Quoted in “Derby mail” of 24/03/06)

Welsh radicals of a kind

A nagging Woman

 A nagging woman be she maid or wife,
Is source of ev’ry ill and ev’ry strife;
She strangles kindly feelings at their birth
And makes a perfect hell of this fair earth.
As we avoid the foul and marshy ground
Where health-destroying fogs are always found,
We pass her by, tho’ we her spite my stir
And thank the fates our wife is not like her.

                                 R.O’Neal

 “Terminological inexactitude” (Winston Churchill)

What is it?

We strip the phrase and naked to the eye
We see in all its hideousness - a lie!

R O’Neal
11/4/08

To a mendacious cabinet minister

Acrostics written for Claud O’Neal

Earth’s joys are sweet, Earth’s hopes are bright
To all whose hearts are young and light:
How can the inexperienc’d, know
Each year which passes sure and slow
Leaves on the heart some gloom of care and woe?

R. O’Neal

Endear’d to us are memories of happy days!
To them how oft in fancy do we turn our gaze -
How bright they were, how full of moments glad and sweet,
Enrich’d by hopes that when those fears to come we’d meet,
Love would awake, and make Life perfect and complete.

R. O’Neal

Written for Claud, 1910

At ev’ry step I take new hopes arise
Like flow’rs reflecting beauty from the skies;
My life is sweeter and each day brings joy
And nothing will, I pray, my hopes destroy.

__________

Each ought the pure and ideal life to reach
Doing that which elevates both heart and mind:
No knowledge is of worth which does not teach
All truth, all love, all virtue, to mankind.

__________

Softly do the breezes sigh
Through the branches waving high,
Ev’ry sigh falls on the ear
Like remember’d not near,
Leaving sadness in my breast,
And in heart a great unrest.

R. O’Neal

__________

Written for Claud, 1910

Adieu! Tho for a time we part
Let me but hope thou’lt think of me:
Midst those at  Home, dear to my heart
A thought each day will be for thee.

R. O’Neal 

Enquire not why I feel so sad, depress’d,
Despite the joy for which I’ve long’d for years:
No pain there is so keen within the breast
As when we say “Goodbye”, through misty tears.

R. O’Neal

These acrostics for Claud as asked in his letter of 2nd Oct 1910
Ed: I have kept them together, although logically they run into the next date section, because they were collated together

Maiden so sweet with golden hair

If the truth I must declare

Life is brighter when you’re near,

Darker when you disappear.

Recall, O fancy, that dear face,

Expressing well each inward grace,

Delighted, I each beauty trace!

R O’Neal

Midst life - that life which ne’er is still

In scenes in which there’s good and ill

Love, borne in many a tender breast

Does noble work unseen but blest

Remember this, ‘tis well that you should know

Each one you meet has in her heart some woe:

Deep down her heart to the better waters flow.

R O’Neal

Written for Claud & sent to him on 22/8/11

So bright - so full of warmth is she.

On her, one’s mind dwells lovingly!

Pure heart she bears within her breast,

Her kindly deeds her worth attest.

In her are sweetest virtues found,

Endearing her to all around.

R O’Neal

Written for Claud 23/6/12

Make friends - in friendship you will find

A joy for both the heart and mind.

Remember, life is short indeed

To stand aloof or pride to feel

How sweet it is to make all glad

And cheer with smiles the poor and sad!

R O’Neal

Written for Claud 23/6/12

Cease not to strive for all that’s best;

Let lofty purposes warm your breast

And sternly enter in the fight

Upholding what you know is right

Despise suggestions mean or low,

Or if there comes in glitt’ring show

New baits to tempt you from the right

Eschew them - sweep them from your sight

And you will thus become more strong:

Like sainted George, you’ll conquer wrong.

R O’Neal

Ode to Mr Churchill

The section below entitled “Reply to Hans” is Bob’s response to the ode which was written in and then translated from German in 1912 - two years before the start of World War 1. I think this shows the National arrogance of the world position held by the British empire at the time.

Genevieve acrostic

Glad hours I spend in fancy’s garden fair,

Enrich’d with varied flow’rs of ev’ry hue: 

No thoughtI give to human strife or care - 

Enchantment throws its spell upon the view.

Vague dreams I have of what the years may bring,

I count the friend to whom I fondly cling,

Endear’d are they, but one I call to mind:

Vain would it be a truer friend to find - 

Each passing year I’ve found her staunch & kind.

That’s why I am a Suffragette (Militant)

I have got a comely face,

I’m destitute of womanly grace;

In me no charmsthe men can trace - 

That’s why I am a suffragette

I hate all men - I’ll let them see

How mean and spiteful I can be,

What evil spirits dwell in me - 

That’s why I am a suffragette

I’ll harry them from morn ‘till night,

I’ll sho in deeds my hate and spite:

A woman scorn’d can always bite - 

That’s why I am a suffragette.

From man-made laws I will be free,

I own them not - they’re not for me:

I claim as right, man’s liberty

That’s why I am a suffragette.

In fire and bombs of devlish kind,

Most potent weapons do I find

To scare and paralyse man’s mind -

That’s why I am a suffragette.

May 13/1913 R O’Neal

Cabinet Minister’s prayer to Mr John Redmond

“Retatin us in office” pray Asquith & Co

“We are both, very loth to pack up & go;

“In the strait we are in ready to make

“A solemn convention, yr. orders to take.

“Henceforth your command, be your will what it may

“We craven and servile, will merely obey”

Nov 1913 R O’Neal

A young man’s answer to a question

You ask me which I like, sweet Alice or sweet May?

Sweet May is always calm, sweet Alice bright and gay.

When I’m depress’d or sad, I love May’s gentle voice

But when in happy mood, bright Alice is my choice.

I truly like them both, as you will see from this

And were I bold enough, both maidens I would kiss.

3/3/14 R O’Neal

To Mr F Corney

I welcome you - whate’er they say,

There is no place like home:

Altho’ you take a holiday,

Be it Nice or Rome,

Or in the land of Wallace, Burns,

And clannish names well-known,

Where “Mountain Dew”, the griffen learns,

Has virtues all its own,

No joy as great to rouse the mind

As when you’re home again;

In it, as nowhere else, you find

The calm for heart and brain.

July 30th 1910 R O’Neal

Mr F Corney 2/11/10

Methinks I’d like to see

A friendly face or two

Come then, & have a “cup of tea”

And bring Fred Wraith with you

Warm welcome shall you get

From both myself & wife:

Few friends like you I’ve met

Upon the road of life.

Then fix & name a day

And I will “play the host”,

And if it’s cold & grey)

We’ll make you “warm as toast”

R O’Neal

‘nd you

May potent spirits e’er attend you;

From perils great may they defend you,

And if you’re “stranded” may they send you

Some kindly one who will befriend you.

If you’re “run down”, the change will mend you;

Be bright for nothing will offend you;

With conscience clear no fears will rend you - 

Old Nick himself will fail to end you.

R O’Neal

To Mr F Corney 

on the eve of his holiday

31/8/11

To Mr F Corney

I hear you are poorly - God’s truth I am sad.

A man without spirits must surely be bad.

I ish most sincerely, with physic and care,

Your health you’ll recover and be what you were.

With ailments of the body the mind gets depress’d,

And dull seems the outlook altho’ ‘tis the best;

So be not despondent - ‘neath grey is the blue;

Observers of nature say this is quite true.

This fact then believing, be patient awhile - 

On the roadway of life there’s many a mile

To be trodden by you before you behold

The still waters beyond, repellent and cold!

R O’Neal

14 Jany /12

To Mr F Corney

Tho’ sadness steals within your breast

For wife who’s left you for a while,

Yet by her loving care you’re blest

By being cheer’d by woman’s smile.

She, bright as sunbeams in the trees

Dispels the gloom - makes home so dear

And does her best for your moods to please

And tries your pining heart to cheer.

14th June 1914 R O’Neal

A nocturnal meeting (July 24th 1914)

I met a gentleman* and dog - ‘twas after “closing time”;

I must admit to be out late is by no means a crime’

The dog, good pilot, led the way, the man was far behind,

He seem’d contented with himself, with nothing on his mind’

And as I pass’d with laugh suppress’d, I mildly said “Good night”

He halted with a suddenness which prov’d his legs were right;

I looked and saw his rigid form - he stood and stared at me;

But when he recognised my face, he laugh’d most heartily.

I guess’d, altho the hour was late, the dog he’d taken out

For recreative purposes which dogs can’t do without.

How strange it is that (k)nightly deeds which clearly are so good

Are by keen-eyed, suspicious men, ofttimes misunderstood!

R O’Neal.

(sent a copy of this to Mr F G Wraith on July 25th, 1914)

*Mr F Corney

To Mr F Corney

The patriot’s fire is in your breast,

Your hours are hours of great unrest,

You hear of war, and hearing, crave

For glory or a soldier’s grave.

Leave happy home, leave friend, leave all,

Respond to your dear country’s call.

A soldier with a soldier’s mind,

Upon the battlefield will find

The flow’r of fame, which he desires

And sight of which his soul inspires.

Strive then for fame; but if you’re shot - 

Well, such is oft a soldier’s lot

We’ll weep & grieve for your ill-luck

And say “Hard lines! Another duck!”

R O’Neal

9th Augt /14

To Mr Corney

A friend indeed! You wake, you eat, you drink,

Of many things you daily, hourly think,

You dwell on war, and speculate no doubt

When we and France, the Germans will turn out.

But to a chum, whose fault is that he’s old

You give no thought - you leave him in the cold!

If you’ve a conscience, may it sting you sore,

Until you wriggle supplicate and roar!

R O’Neal

17/10/14

NB I may justify my wrath by saying that 

I have had bronchitis and neuralgia in 

the head, that I have been confined to the 

house, groaning for things unattainable & 

unapproachable, and no one has called with 

even a cup of cold water saying “Drink

old friend”!

To Mr Corney

Imagine we as dry as dry can be,

Altho’ “thirst quenching wells” are near to me,

I cannot seek them, while cold winds prevail

Whose icy breath “poor me” must inhale.

“Thirst quenching wells”! - should you see one tonight

Oh! think of me, who’s dry, and do the right - 

Bring to my lips that which I greatly need,

A cordial for the heart, and “what” indeed!

R. O’Neal

3rd Feb/15

To Mr F Corney 21/2/15

I hear you’re not well - God’s truth it is sad

When we must “buck up”as times are so bad;

There’s much to disturb and cause us to fear

Tho’ why, I am sure, is not very clear.

True, there are Zepplins which sail high in air

With death-dealing bombs to kill and to scare;

‘Tis true submarines are eager to send

Ships to the bottom of foe or of friend;

‘Tis true, floating mines are recklessly thrown -

A peril indeed which we must all own.

But we’re not asleep - we’ll “counter” the foe,

His “blockade” will fail as we shall soon show.

We’ve food in the land, and that’s a relief - 

Bread, bacon and cheese, pork, mutton and beef,

What more do we want tho’ prices run high?

Germans won’t starve us - they’re welcome to try!

Then “buck up” old friend - you’ve sunlight and air,

Good food and enough to make the Huns stare,

And do not forget, a little Martelle

Will add to your strength and cheer you as well.

Robt O’Neal

To Mr F Wraith

A Toast

Here’s to the “Tykes”, the most modest of men

Who do not say much but do all things well be it with hands or with head, or with pen

They doggedly strive and always excel.

Here’s to the “Tykes”, may their ‘grit’ never fail.

I wish them success, for success they deserve,

To reach the top-place stone walls they will scale

Top-place they will gain by courage and nerve.

15/1/12 R.O’Neal

Written after receiving a photo of Fred Wraith in his Special constable’s clothes

He wears the garb which typifies the law,

And as I gaze, I feel a wond’rous awe.

His face is calm, and set - majestic grand,

To plan, he has a mind; to strike a hand

“Come out ye skulking vagabond, come out!”

Methinks, above the din, I hear him shout:

The vagabonds, who’ve seen his tow’ring forme,

Have “funk’d” - the situation was too warm!

Robt O’Neal

31.8.1911

Come to dinner - come!

(To Mr F Wraith urging him to come 

To th Conservative Dinner at which Mr J Marsden-Smedley, the Conservative candidate for South Derbyshire hoped to be the presenter Novr 10th/11)

Oh! Ye gods and little fishes

Think of all the sav’ry dishes

And of British beer and wine!

Why deny yourself of pleasure

Full indeed and without measure

Which awaits all those who’ll dine?

R. O’Neal

To Mr F G Wraith on his birthday 19th June 1914

Best hearty wishes to you friend

On this your natal day;

May show’rs of happiness descend

And fragrant make life’s way;

May many added years be yours

Each bringing gladsome store;

May God, whose tender love endures

Bless you forever more.

R O’Neal

Mr F Corney, 20 years hence

His hair is white, his eyes are dim,

He moves about so slow and slim;

He once used bat and used a pen,-

Lov’d by all girls, liked by all men.

But now in age he dreams and thinks,

And cares not what he eats or drinks,

He waits and prays, & prays and waits:

Soon he will pass the pearly gates.

28.11.15 R.O’Neal

Invitation to F.G.W. to supper

A well intention’ friend has sent to us a hare;

Too much you will admit for us an ancient pair.

Being full of sympathy you’ll see at once our plight,

So come with your dear wife, and sup with us tonight.

Great will our pleasure be - ‘twill be indeed a treat,

Tho’ what the hare may think is “up another street.”

Dec 28th, 1915 R.O’Neal

What keeps a woman’s mind awake, depriving her of rest?-

‘Tis how to turn and trim and make

An old hat into best

R O’Neal    

Eternal theme!  (the world can find us better)

None can a woman’s mind so rouse

Or give such pleasure as a blouse

Of which she’d speak ‘till doomsday - if you’d let her.

R O’Neal

I know a maid

I know a maid with bright, bright eyes

With kindly feelings in her breast,

Who smilingly and sweetly ries

To please young men in “Kakhi” dress’d

Oh! These stay for a while, and go,

They’re always pleasant, chatty, gay:

What is their fate? She does not know,

But hopefully they'll all come back some day.

R.O’Neal

3 April 1915

Mr Pemberton’s* billing’s (the Air MPs) soliloquy

____________________________________

1

I’m the favor’d protégé, and this I proudly own

Of Northcliffe’s little paper* so widely read and known.

2

Its views on aerial matters are those which I profess;

I’ll give it service gladly - it did for me no less.

3

Our rulers are most stupid, so stupid that I fear’

No words of mine will waken, or make their minds more clear.

4

There’s not a man amongst them if he would but confess,

Has special aerial knowledge which I alone possess.

5

If they would wisely ask me, I’d help them all I can,

For I have formulated a most effective plan.

6

If this they would but follow, our coasts we should defend.

Then raiding by the Germans would fail and have an end.

7

I’m not at all ambitious - as minister of Air

I’d work a revolution at which all men would stare.

8

And when the war is over, perchanceI’ll have reward,

I may have honours - perhaps they’ll make me “Lord”.

9

The dream is truly pleasant; my heart is all afire;

My efforts would be ceaseless - my brain would never tire.

R. O’Neal 

17th April 1916

* Ed: Noel Pemberton-Billing was MP for Hertford. In parliament, Billing consistently advocated the creation of an air force, retaliation against German air raids, that action be taken against war profiteering and that action be taken to lessen the influence of Germans in Britain.Following a disagreement over parliamentary procedure and with Billing refusing to sit down while "Germans are running about this country" Billing was ejected from the House of Commons and suspended as an MP on 1 July 1918.

During the First World War, he was notable for his support of air power, constantly accusing the government of neglecting the issue and advocating the creation of a separate air force, unattached to either the British Army or the Royal Navy. During the so-called "Fokker scourge" of late 1915 and early 1916, he became particularly vocal against the Royal Aircraft Factory and its products, raising the question in typically exaggerated terms once he entered parliament. His prejudice against the Factory and its products persisted, and was very influential. He called for air raids against German cities. In 1917, he published Air War and How to Wage it, which emphasised the future role of raids on cities and the need to develop protective measures. His own eccentric quadraplane design for a home defence fighter, the heavily armed and searchlight-equipped "Supermarine Nighthawk", was built in prototype but had insufficient performance to be of any use against Zeppelins. Information courtesy of WIKIPEDIA.

The Daily Mail

Lord Northcliffe owns the “Daily Mail”

It’s call’d the “Yell-oh” pest.

It’s daily growl, its yap and wail

How greatly we detest.

                                 R.O’Neal

5.1.16

Husbands’ rule of wives

(Written to F.G.W & sending him
letters in “Daily Mail” denying existence
  of husbands who rule their wives)

Oh husband weep - the truth is told at last.

Belief you had of lordship in the past:

Alas! You’ll now confess you’ve been a fool

To think that lordly man his wife can rule.

                                 R.O’Neal

5.1.16

To Sir John Simon, ex home secretary.

(He resigned because the govt decided 

to bring in a Bill for Compulsory Service, 

& on the introduction of the Bill he opposed it)

Disservice to our country is service to our foes.

That you would thwart your country your action clearly shows,

Well, Germany applauds you, she gives you honour rare,

And who knows she’ll send you the “Iron Cross” to wear!

                                 R.O’Neal

Janry 7th, 1916

(The “Frankfurt Lectung” honours Sir John Simon with a handsome political obituary notice in its issue of Janry 4th  & it declares that “Herr Simon” is “a clever man”. (Daily Mail 7/1/16)

Marsdens Medley acrostic

Make efforts, such as only brave men make,

And rally round the Flag, for Empire’s sake;

Remember that on us shall be foul shame

Should we unmindful be of England’s fame.

Defend your heritage, so rich and fair,

Esteem it, ‘tis committed to your care.

No Briton, proud of heritage so grand,

Strong in his love for Home and Fatherland,

Must dream-he must awake, be stern and bold:

Each day brings threat to Institutions old.

Determin’d, we must guard what we hold dear,

Let us be true and show no paling fear,

Engage the vandals, even tho’ we fight

Year after year-we fight for Freedom, Right!

                                 R.O’Neal

The Daily Mail

We are You know, the “Daily Mail”.

Our views is fresh and never stale,

Our purpose is to educate,

For ignorance is very great.

To our weak government we say,

“Do this”, and they at once obey,

They make mistakes, and who does not?

But they know well a guide they’ve got.

We put them right and they are glad,

Tho’ people think their acts are bad.

We rule the country in these days:

Put trust in us, and give us praise.

                                 R.O’Neal

27.1.16

In Memoriam Captn W. J. Reid 

died at Derby, Feb 11th 1916, Aged 83

1

His was a useful life this long, long years,

And we who mourn and who are left behind,

Recall his gentle heart and humble mind

And pay our tribute to his worth, in tears.

2

No more his smiling cheery face we’ll see,

No more his words of greeting kind and warm;

Unchang’d he was in sunshine and in storm -

A bounteous man and full of sympathy.

3

To one so truly good, we say farewell,

And tho’ ‘tis pain to part from those we love,

With eye of Faith we see the Home above

Where they, and all who die, for ever dwell.

                                 R.O’Neal

“Conscientious Objectors” 

(in wartime)

They will not fight - it is a sin

To take a sacred human life;

They care not if we lose or win;

They’d not avenge an outrag’d wife.

They seem like man but ‘tis a fact

They’re human “freaks” upon the earth

It would have been a kindly act

Had they been strangl’d at their birth.

                                 R. O’Neal

15th March , 1916

The Bantam

1

Audacious, selfimportant our hardy bantam crows,

Each day, more strength he gathers - his crowing louder grows.

2

Shrill is his voice and hateful, it irritates one’s nerves,

Anathemas we utter which he full well deserves.

3

We ask ourselves with wonder, how long he’d live and crow

In Berlin where the Germans their rig’rous methods show?

4

I fear our hardy bantam, audacious tho’ he be

Would have an end untimely in “cultur’d” Germany.

                                 R.O’Neal

15th March 1916

To a certain few “Magpie” MPs in the British House of Commons at the present time

Talk less, think more - this is a golden rule:

The chatterer is either ass or fool.

                                 R O’N

Feb 1916

A cure for pessimism

(FG Wriath’s advice to me expressed in metrical language)

When “down in the mouth” of Jonah I think;

Tho inside of a whale - of this there’s no doubt-

In prison as dark,sans victuals, sans drink

He did not despond - he found a way out!

                                 R.O’Neal

21st Feb 1916

False pride vanished

Some years ago I had the pride

Of man, and felt as dignified,

And when my wife would gently ask

That I would do some homely task

Unwillingly the help I gave

And thought myself a household slave.

I grumbl’d, and I mutter’d low

(It was a spirit mean, I know)

But now these homely tasks I do

With cheerfulness, and pleasure too.

The baser pride is crush’d, is dead;

A purer pride moves me instead:

All acts that make the burden less

Of others, give true happiness.

28th Feb 1916

                                 R.O’Neal

East Herts election (10 March 1916) won by Mr Pemberton-Bulling, the Air candidate

Exultant is the “Daily Mail”

Because its “booming” has borne fruit;

The government will henceforth quail

Before the Daily Mail’s recruit.

He’ll pound them well - he’ll make them stare;

They’re in a haze - he’s got a plan;

Appoint a minister of air - 

The hour is come, and He the Man!

                                 R. O’Neal

11th March 1916

Freddie W _ to his trousers

Oh trousers! You have made me glad

I feel as important as my Dad;

My legs are somewhat thin, ‘tis true

But you hide them from public view.

I look at you so full of grace,

And smile light up my happy face,

I am a “budding man” at last - 

No more a “kid” as in the past.

The dreams I’ve had I can’t recall - 

One thing I know you’re in them all.

I’ll stick to you, you’ll stick to me,

To this we solemnly agree;

You’re now my “indispensables”-

In this, to you, great honor spells,

As I grow tall keep pace with me,

Else I a queer demeanour shall be.

                                 R.O’Neal

13th March 1916

Lovat Fraser

1

Who is this Lovat Fraser who would the Germans tell

That we are much divided, that we’re not governed well?

2

Who is this man who charges the “sacred twenty-three”

Of faults and failings grievous which he alone can see?

3

Who is this man, this critic who would so basely shake

The faith of trusting Britons who have as much at stake?

4

And as you’ve ask’d these questions - in asking them you’re right -

He is a “D. Mail” writer, a fawning satellite.”

5

He must write as he is bidden - ‘tis not for him to cheese.

He’s but a reproducer of his employers ‘ views.

13th March 1916                                                       R O’Neal

Sir Arthur Markham*

1

Who is this Arthur Markham? O stranger tell me true,

That he is giv’n to ravings, I know as well as you.

2

I read in all the Papers, how he would smirch the name

Of ev’ry well-known statesman who’ll gild the Roll of Fame.

3

I know that at this moment, when matters are so grave

He just delights to harass our leaders, strong and brave.

4

What is his motive, think you? - O stranger tell me true

Your knowledge is much greater - such men you calmly view.

5

Who is this man, oh! tell me? Is he a man of worth?

Has he a mind superual, is he of noble birth? 

6

You cannot tell me stranger? - I grieve, for I would know

Who is this Arthur Markham, our leaders’ bitt’rest foe.

16th March 1916                                               R. O’Neal        

* A member of Parliament who is ever finding fault with the Govt as a whole, & with individual members of the Govt In Parliament last night, March 15th, 1916, he attacked Mr Asquith, the Prime Minister, it did not commend itself to the gentlemen & honourable members of the House.

[Note Sir Arthur Markham died of heart disease on Aug 5th, 1916]

“Daily Mail” & Lord Derby

(Subject “Lord Derby’s pledge to married men)

___________________

I’d rather have the cholera, and that is bad enough,

Than write the “DM’s” articles which are but sorry stuff;

Lord Derby is their daily theme - do that he should and must,

With this and more ad nauseam, they fill us with disgust.

21st March 1916                                         R.O’Neal

To Pemberton - Billing, the “Air” MP

1

O Pemberton-Billing

You were not willing

Danger, so to speak to share.

The service so thrilling - 

The bombing and killing-,

Was more than you could bear.

2

If this my conclusion

Is but a delusion 

Your pardon, sir, I crave;

But what’s the solution 

Of honor’s dilution 

If you were bold and brave?

3

Your service was needed

And yet you, sir, pleaded

To leave the fiery air;

True glory you ceded,

And honor receded

When comrades you left there.

21.4.16

R.O’Neal

A Prayer*

For her, in this her hour of need,

O Lord we humbly intercede,

Uphold her in thy loving arms

Dispel her fears and her alarms.

With anxious hearts to thee we kneel

Believing thou hast pow’r to heal,

Bless her again with health renew’d

And fill our hearts with gratitiude.

28th April, 1916 (8.20am)

R.O’Neal

* For a friend about to undergo an operation

The 20th Birthday of the “Daily Mail”

(In the issue of the 4th May 1916, the editor “lauds and magnifies” hi paper, the proprietor, lord Northcliffe gives a long history of the paper for the twenty-years & all that it has accomplished.

The poet of the paper “Touchstones” writes a eulogy, and so does “An Englishman” who has written articles to it for many years. All combine to make it appear that this birthday of the Paper is a National event, and that it must create national enthusiasm.. Alas! When vanity is great, how we magnify our littleness!)

 1

Laudation from its editor, its owner, and its staff

Like gases of a subtle kind, makes many smile and laugh.

2

What care we for its history of twenty chequer’d years?

This not quite so luminous as that of its compears.

3

Why publish it with bugle-blast, and tell a wond’rous tale

Of pow’r and influence so great, wrought by The “Daily Mail”?

4

There is no reason that I see unless to advertise,

A method in which quacks believe, which proves that they are wise.

5

Self-praise and self-advertisement, the artful quack proclaim,

And if, believing, we are gull’d, we have ourselves to blame.

4th May 1916

R.O’Neal

Mr Boosey 

Mr Boosey*, Parliamentary candidate (Independent)

For the Tewkwesbury Division.

(Mr Billing “Air” MP, addressed one of his meetings)

A manwho is “boosey”, to stand may be willing, 

But he will fall surely, tho’ “propp’d up” by Billing.

R O’Neal

9th May, 1916

* Mr Boosey did not get in

An Editor

(a true sketch)

The editor of that foul rag*

Who’s ever, ever on the nag.

I’d throttle him, and I’d do right

For he is full of simian spite.

From day to day his spleen is spent

On members of the Government -

Bah! He’s a crafty kind of man

Who helps the Germans all he can;

Perhaps there’s reason why he should,

Tho’ it is not quite understood.

R O’Neal

10th May 1916

* Daily Mail

The difference between Hun and British

The Huns decide without delay

And start to work with all their might:

While we but talk from day to day

They do what they consider right.

R O’Neal

20th May 1916

Wanted Military Leaders of a difft. mould

Yes “thrust and parry” is the game,

And clearly no advance is made,

We cannot praise, we cannot blame

Tho’ skillful fencing is display’d.

What we require, t seems to me,

Are leaders of a different mould,

Who in this kind of warfare see

New tactics must replace the old.

R O’Neal

24th May 1916

A young maid’s thoughts

So many came, so many went,

I griev’d for them awhile;

My heart, untouch’d, was quite content,

I could both laugh and smile.

One came at last - I know not what

My fancy he impress’d,

He left, and now i sit and sigh

And oh! I feel depress’d

R O’Neal

29th May 1916

A self satisfied & Self-advertising Newspaper

(“Daily Mail

The paper that got the shells and the men”. 30/5/16)

Remember, O ye simple men

There’s nothing mightier than the pen,

To prove this, read “The daily Mail”

Whose “agitations” never fail.

It wanted shells, and shells we’ve got,

It wanted men, we’ve got the lot.

A mighty paper, keen of sight,

For ever putting others right.

A monitor, self satisfied

“Superior” and gimlet-eyed,

It always thinks of XXX *

And tells to all what it has done,

And simple men whose faith is strong

Believe it’s right, and never wrong.

R O’Neal

31st May 1916

*ed: I cannot make out this word 

The Mongrels and the Lion

There’s Markham and Herbert, an excellent pair;

Keen critics of warfare, their knowledge is rare;

There’s Dalziel and Banbury who’d like to be thought

Their country they’re serving by talking rank “rot”.

These men are the quartette the Lion* would bait,

Tho’ they are but mongrels who yelp long and loud.

R O’Neal

1.6.16

* Lord Kitchener

(vide Messrs Sir A Markham, Sir Ivor Herbert sir Henry Dalziel and Sir Frederick Banbury’s attack on Lord Kitchener in the House of Commons last night, the 31st may 1916)

[Note Lord Kitchener, with his staff was lost on HMS “Hampshire” which was sunk on the night of June 5th 1916 at the west of the Orkneys. He was proceeding to Russia]

[Note since Markham, one of the quartette, died from heart disease, on Aug 5th 1916, 2 months after the loss of Lord Kitchener]

A young man’s message

I send you a message,

I’ll whisper it to you.

I love you, love you  darling,

To you I will be true.

In dreams and dreams I’ve often,

I see you as you are, 

Radiant, sweet and lovely

As any shining star.

I love you, I love you darling,

I hope you love me too,

And think of that time coming

When we’ll be one - not two.

R.O’Neal

June 8th 1916

To a friend

1

Long suffering Nature has rebell’d

And you, I hear, have been compell’d

To seek Galenic aid.

I trust the potent draught or pill,

Administer’d with care and skill

Has great imp[rovement made.

2

I shall be glad to see you out

A man renew’d, within, without,

And fit for anything.

Have Patience, Hope beside your bed,

They’re sympathetic and well-bred

And will true comfort bring.

R O’Neal

14th June 1916

To F. G. Wraith

On his birthday, 19th June 1916

I pledge you in cold water, 

Tho’ I prefer good wine,

And hope that on you, comrade,

The light of heav’n will shine.

R O’Neal

18th June 1916

An infallible sign

Attend a church and ‘tis a sign

That you’re regenerate,

That all your waking thoughts incline

Towards God on whom you wait.

You gain respect from all your Kind

Who’d like you for a friend

That you a church attend!

R O’Neal

18th June 1916

A delightful vacation

Each moment spent I gladly now recall
Like some sweet song that time comes back to me
Enchanted were the days,yes, one and all,
And we, like comrades, pass’d them pleasantly.
No shadows came - as friends we gladly met,
On us we felt the sunny spirits glow.
Remember days so spent - do not forget,
And oft on them, and me, a thought bestow.

R O’Neal

13th Oct 1916

         (Written for Claud)

ed: Eleanora J Kreyer was Bob’s daughter-in-law, who lived with her husband (Bob’s son Claud) and family in USA, meaning visits were rare.

To Dora (my niece & God-child)

A babe, I held you, and I own

You were so frail and small.

Ah! Me, ah! Me, showtime has flown

How change has come to all.

The babe is not, for it is you 

Did you say forty? Is it true?

Well truly, I’m surpris’d.

R O’Neal

22.10.16

To George Tinkler (on his joining the Colours)

I grip your hand, I say “Good-bye”;

But oh! ‘Tis hard to part,

To send you hence with smiles, I try

While pain makes sick my heart.

God bless you, boy, you’re brave and strong;

Midst dangers on the battlefield

Trust Him, for you to him belong,

And He will be your shield.

R O’Neal

23rd Oct 1916

Ne-Car-Nis

None shall deny that friendship, deep and true

Endures, tho’ shadows mingle with life’s blue.

I

Cast worldly cares aside, if for a while,

And ease the heart with laughter and with smile

Rejoicing that again you meet.

I

Not idly shall you spend the hour or so;

In work and talk a wholesome heart you’ll show

So that your pleasure shall be sweet.

R O’Neal

7th November 1916

* Ne-Car-Nis Our best friend (American Indian)

(Written for Claud)

To Mrs E Harradine on her birthday

Best wishes from an ancient friend

To you on this your natal day;

May God to you his blessing send

And shed his light upon your way.

May your kind heart, made kinder still,

As you pass thro’ this “vale of tears”

God’s tender law of love fulfil

And reap the fruit of happy years.

R O’Neal

8th Dec 1916

“Bits” in letter to 2nd Lieut J H Leslie Leighton 7th Robin Hood, The Sherwood Foresters. Somewhere in France

Alice looks pale and Alice has a thoughtful air;

Perhaps she’s stuff’ring from the zeppelin “scare”

Or it could be some hidden cause, who knows?

Has plac’d the lily, and has stolen the rose.

R O’Neal

9th Augt 1916

Character sketch of Lieut JH Leslie Leighton

A rare good one of honest British stock,

Exempt from vices which disgust and shock,

Whose virtues seen in deed, however small,

Attract and win for him the love of all.

R O’Neal

12th Augt 1916

Love’s longing

Brown hair, brown eyes, and smile so sweet,

And lips that mine would like to meet.

R O’Neal

24th Augt 1916

To pilferers & written on a box of cigarettes sent to Lieut JH Leslie Leighton

Steal not this box, for if you do

A haunting eye will follow you;

By day, by night, you’ll see its glare,

So, if you’re tempted - beware!

R O’Neal

4th Septr 1916

Zeppelin warning

The midnight silence o’er the land

The “buzzers” break with raucous notes;

They’re not so sweet as Souza’s band

Or like the trills from feath’ry throats

They rouse us and we feel the dread

Of Hun “Night Hawks” which may be near;

Reluctantly we leave our bed,

And do our best to show no fear.

R O’Neal

4th October 1916

To Eleanora on her birthday

Everlasting joys there are

Look for them with eager eyes

Eastward they come from afar

As the starlight from the skies.

Near to us they tempting lie

Only we are dim of sight;

Richer far than gems we buy

Are these joys which make life bright.

R O’Neal

6th Janry/17

A heroic resolution

Weaker beer, dearer beer,

Which is it to be?

Be it weak, be it dear,

Neither is for me!

R O’Neal

26th Janry/17

To young men “Dodgers”

Young men, you dodgers, cowards all

You can’t escape the urgent call;

Strive how you may, though you’ve essay’d,

You’ll not again the law evade.

No more for sones shall farmers plead,

Nor selfish traders intercede,

No officers of state impede

When they know well their country’s need

Young men be wise in time and hear

The vice like Iron Hand is near,

‘Twill reach you in the deepest mine

And find you in the woods so fine;

In office, shop, tho’ out of view

‘Twill reach you, and will collar you.

Where’er you be - hide where you may;

Tribunals, which have been a curse,

Have prov’d unpatriotic-worse,

They’ll disappear before that Hand

Which gathers you for Motherland.

R O’Neal

1st Novr 1916

Friend Jenkins (Dedicated to F.G. Wraith esq)

Friend Jenkins was a patriotic man,

Saw justice in the Food Controller’s plan,

So he’d resolve to do what seem’s so clear -

His dutywhich ofttimesis hard, severe.

He would his coffee and his tea dilute,

He’d sacrifice his pudding, jam and fruit;

Of bread, nine ounces he would eat each day

Which is enough - so expert doctors say;

Of bacon, if obtainable, a slice

For breakfast would decidedly suffice;

For dinner, one potato and some meat

With gravy which is always such a treat;

If still beneath his coat there is a space

He’d take some cheese, and thankful, say a grace.

For tea, the remnants of his bread he’d take

Which butter’d, well will, a good meal make.

           *                       *                    *                          *

Friend Jenkins, once resolv’d, began to act

And now he’s lighter than he was - a fact.

His flesh is turn’d to muscle so they say -

His intimates who see him day by day

His “inner man” may crave - it is “no go”

Friend Jenkins’ will is “boss” - it rules the “show”,

So, cheerily my friend lives out his life

And hopes that soon will end the “World’s great strife”.

R O’Neal

27th Feb 1917

Our Navy

(Dedicated to the XXXX Lloyd George & the war (XXXX)

1

Our Navy’s doing a mighty lot - 

At least the naval chiefs all say’

But this in slangy phrase is “rot”

From what takes place from day to day

The submarines deal deadly blow

And sink our merchant ships at will.

We’re hopeless and we only know 

To meet the danger we’ve not skill

2

The German “raiders” steal from port

Observ’d by nine, an scour the sea,

Then comes to us the quick report

They sink our ships quite merrily.

WE ask, with wonder it is true,

How having fleets such things can be?

Hun submarines their work pursue,

Her “raiders” proudly rule the sea!

3

If naval chiefs inertness show,

If our patrols are blind of eye

If our fine fleets are somewhat slow

Then British merchant men, goodbye

“You’ll one by one come to an end,

“Beneath the sea and on the sea

Are foes who’ll fatal greeting send

And hail their work with fiendish glee.

R O’Neal

2nd April/17

Suggested by the Daily Mail’s article “Fix the blame” in its issue of April 3rd /17

The “Daily Mail” commands

Nd you must do its bidding,

So “to the pumps” all hands

It’s rous’d and is not “kidding”.

Lost airmen! it exclaims,

Their number is appalling!

It’s horror-struck and blames - 

Disasters its recalling.

Our loss is great and why?

Yes, our machines are slower,

The German ones fly high

While ours alas! fly lower

And who to blame is he?

Discover him and punish

Whosoever he may be

With penalties quite “Hunnish”

R O’Neal

3rd April /17

A father’s blessing

If you and she, the dearest maid

To whom your love its homage pays

Decide with courage undismay’d

To start together on life’s ways,

My heart is lifted up with joy,

A vision of bright years I see - 

God bless you, son, my darling boy

And her, my daughter who will be.

R O’Neal

5th April 1917

(written on hearing that Claud intended getting married during the year.)

Wanted 500,000 men for the army 

(See Lord Derby’s & Sir W Robertson’s speeches)

With a stroke of the pen

You will get all the men:

The Tribunals Dissolve, 

And th problem you’ll solve.

The War Officemust act

With sound judgement and tact,

And their pow’r they must use

To select or  refuse

R O’Neal

6th April 1917

Potatoes

Potatoes, more valu’d than nuggets of gold

Are not to be bought so the people are told;

We search ev’r shop, we scan ev’r street,

And if a greengrocer we happen to meet

And wilily ask “how potatoes sell now?”

He passes on silent, a cloud on his brow.

So, hopeless, we are and sit “chewing the cud”

Recalling the virtues possess’d by the “spud”;

We pass’d them by lightly in days long ago

When tables were graced by good “Saint Potato”

R O’Neal

16th April / 17

To Claud and Eleanora on their engagement

May your great joy increase each day

And love’s eternal fire burn clear.

Tho’ skies may change from blue to gray

May heart trust heart and have no fear.

Be true to each, and each be true,

In this both love and faith you’ll show:

Before you lies a radiant view

Of flow’rs which in love’s garden grow,

That garden, beautiful and rare

Has charms for husband and for wife;

You’ll hourly breathe its perfum’d air

And taste the perfect bliss of life.

R O’Neal

6th May /17

The “Daily Mail” instructs the Admiralty

1

Our Carson and our Jellicoe

The world believes are able men;

But abler far than they, we know

Is he who wields a mighty pen.

And who is he with knowledge rare - 

(astounding is the fact if true)

Who tells them with a master’s air

The course they ought and must pursue?

2

Well may you ask “Pray who is he

Who to our naval chiefs dictate”?

You’ll curse the man’s audacity

But bear in mind it carried weight.

The Editor, for such is he

Of Northcliffe’s Bantam “Daily Mail”,

Presumptuous though his vanity

Yet works a pen just like a flail.

3

Tactician, strategist is he;

A Nelson in a padded chair,

His penetrating mind can see

Defects in plans for sea and air.

O chiefs to him obeisance make

Your master confident and sure,

His autocratic orders take

And victory you will ensure!

R O’Neal

May 19th, 1917

In the “Daily Mail” of 19th May /17 is a leader entitled “Strange happenings in the air. Are the Sea Lords thinking”, the Editor assumes that the Germans will set to work to produce powerful and formidable machines (seaplanes) and advise the Admiralty to prepare for such a competition in sea-going aircraft, and points out the importance of the Air Lord of the Admiralty having a free hand and all possible support.

There’s also a leader the “work for an inquiry” re the destruction of 14 British drifters by Austrian warships! These drifters prepared for their safety upon the swift and energetic support of the Navy. Why that support was not forthcoming was to be ascertained. Such an affair should never have happened and the country will expect steps to be taken to prevent it from happening again.

Mr Alfred Tinkler on his marriage

Your longing now is satisfied,

Your dream is realised,

She whom you love is now your bride

To be forever pris’d.

Oh! Cherish her, make her glad her lif

And she will cling to you,

She’ll be to you a priceless wife,

A comrade staunch and true.

R O’Neal

30.5.17

His Star

The traveller when night draws near,

Scans dreamily the jewell’d dome;

The myriad stars shine bright and clear,

He thinks of his own star at home.

It lights for him the dismal way,

‘Tis brighter than these stars above,

It cheers his heart from day to day

For ‘tis his own sweet Star of Love

R O’Neal

9/5/17

Note. Written for the “traveller” Lt J H Leslie Leighton to solace him when he leaves Derby.

Explained!

A shortage there’s of butter

And prices they run high.

Men fume and women mutter 

And ask the “reason why”.

Unhappy is the grocer

A pleasant man we like:

“It may seem strange I know sir - 

The cows are all on strike!”

R O’Neal

10/11/17

To Mrs E. HARRADINE on her birthday

God bless you friend, on this your day of birth - 

True friend to me when sickness laid me low!

‘Tis hearts like yours bring sunshine upon Earth,

From them refreshing streams of kindness flow.

Time noiselessly may pass with startling speed

And chase away the bloom of days gone by,

The change you do not see, or seeing heed

For you have love which ne’er shall change or die.

Dear friend may added years bring happiness,

May kindly acts enrich the years you live

So that while you are blest, you’ll seek to bless

And being lov’d , love all and gladness give.

R O’Neal

Decr 8th, 1917

To Mr Corney Chrsitmas morning 1917

Cheerio, cheerio, I hear the soldiers say,

Cheerio, cheerio, for this is Christmas-day.

Sing they will, laugh the will, and make a thund’ring noise.

“Christmas-day! Christmas-day! And happy are “the boys”.

So are we, you and I and heartily repeat

“Cheerio, cheerio” when friends today we meet.

Christmas morning 1917

To Mr Corney

NOW and ALWAYS

Love God, your country, and your King,

Untarnished keep your heart and name,

Let your young mind to HONOUR cling;

Unworthy he whose deeds bring shame.

Rob O’Neal

To Master Lulu Harwood

For the New Year 1918.

To Fred Wraith & Mrs Wraith (New year’s wish) 1918

The blessings of the God of all

On you and yours refreshing fall,

May He, who is the First and Last,

Shield you and yours from sorrow’s blast;

Trust Him, for He will changeless be

Through time and through eternity.

R O’Neal

To Freddie Wraith (New Year 1918)

If you aspire to be a sage

Then knowledge seek from hour to hour;

In ev’ry land, in ev’ry age

It has, you’ll learn, proclaim’d its pow’r.

To the Editor “Daily Mail”

Dear Mister Editor

I’ve scan’d the “Honours’ List”,

And I’m surpris’d, dear son,

Your honour’d name is miss’d.

R O’Neal

1st Jan 1918

To dear little Lion

Who do you think is here

Dress’d now in simple white?

The smiling baby year

A pleasant happy sight.

That baby soon will grow

And change to spotless dress;

‘Twill hate us or caress

Dear little one, I pray

‘Twill loving be to you

And give you day by day

The joys which come to few.

R O’Neal

1st Janry  /18

Why a sturdy “fit” Engineer of the A.S.E. objects to fight for his country

I am a sturdy Engineer, and claim to save my skin;

I’ll stay at home where all is safe - let others fight and win.

I hate and dread the din of war - I love my life too well,

What care I for the patriot’s cry - let patriots go to hell.

While others fight and give their lives, from dangers I’ll be free.

I’m paid so monstrous well these days - home is the place for me.

Robt O’Neal

28.1.18

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Last night of the “Fiscal” Debate. Monday, 15/2/04.

The play begins - the sound in volume rolls,

But list’ners tire and long for a chaff:

Up jumps the funny clown fam’d “Gibson Bowles”

And soon the cheer, and grin, and laugh.

R O’Neal

To Mr Perks M.P.

O sanctified Perks - it is sad is it not

That “Campbell” in Rome should be dreadfully weak?

A rigid Non-Con one would scarcely have thought

Would notice the Pope or an interview seek,

But both he has done and he now has come home

Comes he a Free-Churchman untainted by Rome?

4/5/04