BOILED EGG & SOLDIERS

After recently sharing that Handy Hint about scrubbing your mits clean whilst singing “Happy Birthday to You”, I thought I’d pass on another musical tip - this time for use in the kitchen rather than the bathroom.

A famous 'Letter to the Editor' appeared in the Daily Telegraph some years ago with this intriguing item of culinary wisdom…

If you boil an egg while singing all five verses and chorus of the hymn, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’. it will be cooked perfectly when you come to Amen...

Written in 1865 by the Rev Sabine Baring-Gould (left), ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ is traditionally sung to the tune ‘St Gertrude’ penned by Sir Arthur Sullivan of Gilbert & S fame.

Now, just in case you’re not utterly au fait with all five verses -- not to mention the chorus -- here they are, all ready for you to try out whilst preparing tomorrow’s breakfast!

Oh, yes, and don’t forget to add in an Amen at the end as per the instructions above!

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honour unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Maybe that’s why it’s called a boiled egg with SOLDIERS!