It could not be altered.

Grin and bear it.

After all, it was only for life! Make the best of things, and get your own back whenever you get a chance.
Presently Harlow began to sing.

He had a good voice and it was a good song, but his mates just then did not appreciate either one of the other.

His singing was the signal for an outburst of exclamations and catcalls.
'Shut it, for Christ's sake!' 'That's enough of that bloody row!' And so on.