T'was soon remarked by not a few
That Hippo was not seen;
The rumour ran—alas! too true—
That he had wounded been.
Then messengers went out and found
The hero of the strife;
His wounds with bandages were bound
By his most loving wife.
The King himself, when he was told,
In person—came to see;
"When well," said he, "oh, hero bold,
Sir Hippo you shall be!"
With Surgeon's skill and wifely care
He soon recovered quite;
Now there's no soldier anywhere
Like Sir John Hippo, Knight.