GEORGES FOUR
SIR, —I think it would be a pity if Mr. Gerald Hamilton's version of 'the well-known rhyme' on the four Georges were accepted as correct (page 820, June 21, 1957). Another version attributed to Walter Savage Landor written to entertain his friend W. M. Thackeray was printed in Notes and Queries very many years ago (eheu! fugaces). The skit goes:
I sing the Georges Four For Providence could stand no more Some say that far the worst Of all the four was George the first.
But still by some 'tis reckon'd That worser still was George the second.
No mortal ever said one word Of good or bad of George the third. When George the Fourth from earth descended God be praised the Georges ended.
—Yours faithfully, M. 0. GODLONTON 16 Frances Street, Grahamstown, CP, SA
Previous page
