Some corrections and revisions took place in republications. Some appear in the text posted above. I hope that the text I take as a model, from "World War I Document Archive," is not one of them!!
1. Verses of four lines. 2. Correction to last two verses before the Moral 3. Correction to first line of Moral
Uncharted the rocks that surround thee, Take heed that the channels thou learn, Lest thy name serve to buoy for another That shoal the "Court-Martial Return."
Though a *Harveyised belt may protect her The ship bears the scar on her side; 'Tis well if the Court should acquit thee-- But 'twere best had'st thou never been tried.
MORAL As the wave washes clear at the hawse pipe, Washes aft, and is lost in the wake; So shall thou drop astern all unheeded Such time as these laws ye forsake.
Take heed in your manner of speaking, ...
Now these are the Laws of the Navy, And many and mighty are they. ....
*Harveyized- a belt of armour has been applied to the ship. This word, being unknown to the general public, the line was changed to the one posted by Charley Noble. There may be other minor changes in the republications; I have not checked.
Looked at the list of RN Flag Officers at this site, did not find R. A. Hopwood. Perhaps he was on 'desk' assignment since he would have been 49 years old when WW1 started.