Ode to 'Fido' the toy lion

This 'Ode' was written by Ruth Merington, a passenger on board Cunard's RMS Alaunia during a wartime Atlantic crossing in July 1916. She met the Mildon family during the Atlantic voyage, and was lent 7-year-old Nancy's toy lion 'Fido' (MMM.1995.4.1) for part of the voyage by Nancy's mother (much to Nancy's consternation). In gratitude, Ruth composed this poem and also drew a charming illustration (MMM.1995.4.3) for the Mildon family to keep. Nancy treasured them for many years before fianlly donating the collection to the museum.