One hundred years ago this week Sydney's Table Talk noted press reports that hitherto neutral Turkey "is wobbling and may side with the Germans". In verse Table Talk warned the Turks (in vain, because they were to resist us on Gallipoli) to stay out of the war.
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If the perky Turkey-wobbler doesn't do some thinking hard/ If he leaves his safe position on the fence,/ If the Turkey-wobbler tumbles into Germany's backyard,/ Then his mortal throes will very soon commence.
Silly, frilly Turkey-wobbler, do you really want to die?/ Though today we're pretty busy, we shall fix you by-and-bye/ If you scramble or you tumble or you lollop or you fly/
Strutting, butting Turkey-wobbler, if you come a-butting in/ With the Kaiser in his cruel crazy game,/ If you think that your assistance, can make German armies win/ The things that happen to you will be a shame.
Keep your coat on, Turkey-wobbler, take a timely warning word,/ Remember what old England's done whenever she was stirred;/ If you'd rather be a breakfast than a live and feathered bird,/
Will you stop your doubtful drumming, Turkey wobbler or be shot?/ 'Will you realise your wiser course is peace?/ If the cooks of Mother England start to put you in the pot / You'll be gobbled and your gobbling soon will cease.
Wander round your little garden, picking up the worms and snails,/ And don't be gulled by Kaiser Bill and all his fairy tales,/ Or, when that war-mad Emperor's insane ambition fails,/T here'll be nothing left of Turkey but the
