"We have no lack of victual here With work--God knows!--enough for all,

Written by: Rudyard Kipling

 When the Great Ark, in Vigo Bay,
 Rode stately through the half-manned fleet,
From every ship about her way 
 She heard the mariners entreat--
Before we take the seas again
Let down your boats and send us men!

"We have no lack of victual here
 With work--God knows!--enough for all,
To hand and reef and watch and steer,
 Because our present strength is small.
While your three decks are crowded so
Your crews can scarcely stand or go.

"In war, your numbers do but raise
 Confusion and divided will;
In storm, the mindless deep obeys
 Not multitudes but single skills.
In calm, your numbers, closely pressed,
Must breed a mutiny or pest.

"We even on unchallenged seas,
 Dare not adventure where we would,
But forfeit brave advantages
 For lack of men to make 'em good;
Whereby, to England's double cost,
Honour and profit both are lost!"