" IN HIS COUNTRY'S CAUSE " 193 



Christmas^ happy Christmas ! let us pass the flowing bowl, 

 Fill your glasses all, and let's make " Sails " a wee bit full. 

 For all I'll say is this — that it's in his country's cause; 

 If he staggers just a little, it is in his country's cause. 



Now you sailor boys shall hear about the time we have gone through: 



The winter — well, it wasn't long, we had so much to do. 



There was digging snow^ and sleeping — you can bet we're good at 



that — 

 And eating, too — no wonder that we're all a little fat. 

 We had hot cakes for our breakfast and " hermetik " each day. 

 Mutton pies, ragouts and curries, for that is Lindstrom's way. 

 But all I'll say is this — that 'twas in our country's cause. 

 If we stuffed ourselves with dainties, it was in our country's cause. 



September came and off we went — that trip was pretty tough; 



Our compasses all went on strike, they thought it cold enough. 



The brandy in the Captain's flask froze to a lump of ice ; 



We all agreed, both men and dogs, such weather wasn't nice. 



So back we went to Framheim to thaw our heels and toes ; 



It could not be quite healthy when our feet and fingers froze. 



But all I say is this — that 'twas in our country's cause. 



And we did not mind a frost-bite when 'twas in our country's cause. 



The sun came up and warmed us then a little day by day ; 

 Five men went out again and toiled along the southern way. 

 This time they conquered snow and ice, and all the world may hear 

 That Norway's flag flies at the Pole. Now, boys, a ringing cheer 

 For him who led them forward through the mountains and the plain. 

 Up to the goal they aimed at, and safely back again. 

 But all I'll say is this — that 'twas in his country's cause; 

 If he went through and won the Pole, 'twas in his country's cause. 



It could soon be noticed, in one way and another, 

 that we had reached latitudes where existence took a 

 very different aspect from what we had been accus- 

 tomed to south of the 66th parallel. One welcome 



