her 'andkerchief up to 'er eye: "Daddy! dear daddy's dyin'!" and doing her best to cry. Grateful? Oh, yes, I'm grateful, but keep 'er away from here. Your mother 'ud never ha' stood 'er, and, anyhow, women are queer.... There's women will say I've married a second time. Not quite! But give pore Aggie a hundred, and tell her your lawyers'll fight. She was the best o' the boiling—you'll meet her before it ends; I'm in for a row with the mother—I'll leave you settle my friends: For a man he must go with a woman, which women don't understand— Or the sort that say they can see it they aren't the marrying brand. But I wanted to speak o' your mother that's Lady Gloster still. I'm going to up and see her, without it's hurting the will. Here! Take your hand off the bell-pull. Five thousand's waiting for you, If you'll only listen a minute, and do as I bid you do. They'll try to prove me a loony, and, if you bungle, they can; And I've only you to trust to! (O God, why ain't he a man?) There's some waste money on marbles, the same as McCullough tried— Marbles and mausoleums—but I call that sinful pride. There's some ship bodies for burial—we've carried 'em, soldered and packed; Down in their wills they wrote it, and nobody called them cracked. But me—I've too much money, and people might.... All my fault: It come o' hoping for grandsons and buying that Wokin' vault. I'm sick o' the 'ole dam' business; I'm going back where I came. Dick, you're the son o' my body, and you'll take charge o' the same! I'm going to lie by your mother, ten thousand mile away, And they'll want to send me to Woking; and that's where you'll earn your pay. I've thought it out on the quiet, the same as it ought to be done— Quiet, and decent, and proper—an' here's your orders, my son. You know the Line? You don't, though. You write to the Board, and tell Your father's death has upset you an' you're goin' to cruise for a spell, An' you'd like the Mary Gloster—I've held her ready for this— They'll put her in working order an' you'll take her out as she is. Yes, it was money idle when I patched her and put her aside (Thank God, I can pay for my fancies!)—the boat where your mother died, By the Little Paternosters, as you come to the Union Bank, We dropped her—I think I told you—and I pricked it off where she sank. [Tiny she looked on the grating—that oily, treacly sea—] Hundred and eighteen East, remember, and South just three. Easy bearings to carry—three South—three to the dot; But I gave McAndrews a copy in case of dying—or not. And so you'll write to McAndrews, he's Chief of the Maori Line; They'll give him leave, if you ask 'em and say it's business o' mine. I built three boats for the Maoris, an' very well pleased they were, An' I've known Mac since the Fifties, and Mac knew me—and her. After the first stroke warned me I sent him the money to keep Against the time you'd claim it, committin' your dad to the deep; For you are the son o' my body, and Mac was my oldest friend, I've never asked 'im to dinner, but he'll see it out to the end. Stiff-necked Glasgow beggar, I've heard he's prayed for my soul, But he couldn't lie if you paid him, and he'd starve before he stole. He'll take the Mary in ballast—you'll find her a lively ship; And you'll take Sir Anthony Gloster, that goes on his wedding-trip, Lashed in our old deck-cabin with all three port-holes wide, The kick o' the screw beneath him and the round blue seas outside! Sir Anthony Gloster's carriage—our 'ouse-flag flyin' free— Ten thousand men on the pay-roll and forty freighters at sea! He made himself and a million, but this world is a fleetin' show, And he'll go to the wife of 'is bosom the same as he ought to go. By the heel of the Paternosters—there isn't a chance to mistake— And Mac'll pay you the money as soon as the bubbles break! Five thousand for six weeks' cruising, the stanchest freighter afloat, And Mac he'll give you your bonus the minute I'm out o' the boat! He'll take you round to Macassar, and you'll come back alone; He knows what I want o' the Mary.... I'll do what I please with my own. Your mother 'ud call it wasteful, but I've seven-and-thirty more; I'll come in my private carriage and bid it wait at the door.... For my son 'e was never a credit: 'e muddled with books and art, And 'e lived on Sir Anthony's money and 'e broke Sir Anthony's heart. There isn't even a grandchild, and the Gloster family's done— The only one you left me, O mother, the only one! Harrer an' Trinity College! Me slavin' early an' late, An' he thinks I'm dyin' crazy, and you're in Macassar Strait! Flesh o' my flesh, my dearie, for ever an' ever amen, That first stroke come for a warning; I ought to ha' gone to you then, But—cheap repairs for a cheap 'un—the doctors said I'd do: Mary, why didn't you warn me? I've allus heeded to you, Excep'—I know—about women; but you are a spirit now; An', wife, they was only women, and I was a man. That's how. An' a man 'e must go with a woman, as you could not understand; But I never talked 'em secrets. I paid 'em out o' hand. Thank Gawd, I can pay for my fancies! Now what's five thousand to me, For a berth off the Paternosters in the haven where I would be? I believe in the Resurrection, if I read my Bible plain, But I wouldn't trust 'em at Wokin'; we're safer at sea again. For the heart it shall go with the treasure—go down to the sea in ships. I'm sick of the hired women—I'll kiss my girl on her lips! I'll be content with my fountain, I'll drink from my own well, And the wife of my youth shall charm me—an' the rest can go to Hell! (Dickie, he will, that's certain.) I'll lie in our standin'-bed, An' Mac'll take her in ballast—and she trims best by the head.... Down by the head an' sinkin'. Her fires are drawn and cold, And the water's splashin' hollow on the skin of the empty hold— Churning an' choking and chuckling, quiet and scummy and dark— Full to her lower hatches and risin' steady. Hark! That was the after-bulkhead ... she's flooded from stem to stern.... Never seen death yet, Dickie?... Well, now is your time to learn!



SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL.

Speakin' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, The 'appy roads that take you o'er the world. Speakin' in general, I 'ave found them good For such as cannot use one bed too long, But must get 'ence, the same as I 'ave done, An' go observin' matters till they die.

What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all— The different ways that different things are done, An' men an' women lovin' in this world— Takin' our chances as they come along, An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good?

In cash or credit—no, it ain't no good; You 'ave to 'ave the 'abit or you'd die, Unless you lived your life but one day long, Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done.

But, Gawd, what things are they I 'aven't done? I've turned my 'and to most, an' turned it good, In various situations round the world— For 'im that doth not work must surely die; But that's no reason man should labour all 'Is life on one same shift; life's none so long.

Therfore, from job to job I've moved along. Pay couldn't 'old me when my time was done, For something in my 'ead upset me all, Till I 'ad dropped whatever 'twas for good, An', out at sea, be'eld the dock-lights die, An' met my mate—the wind that tramps the world.

It's like a book, I think, this bloomin' world, Which you can read and care for just so long, But presently you feel that you will die Unless you get the page you're readin' done, An' turn another—likely not so good; But what you're after is to turn 'em all.

Gawd bless this world! Whatever she 'ath done— Excep' when awful long—I've found it good. So write, before I die, "'E liked it all!"



BARRACK-ROOM BALLADS.



When 'Omer smote 'is bloomin' lyre, He'd 'eard men sing by land an' sea; An' what he thought 'e might require, 'E went an' took—the same as me!

The market-girls an' fishermen, The shepherds an' the sailors, too, They 'eard old songs turn up again, But kep' it quiet—same as you!

They knew 'e stole; 'e knew they knowed. They didn't tell, nor make a fuss, But winked at 'Omer down the road, An' 'e winked back—the same as us!



"BACK TO THE ARMY AGAIN."

I'm 'ere in a ticky ulster an' a broken billycock 'at, A-layin' on to the sergeant I don't know a gun from a bat; My shirt's doin' duty for jacket, my sock's stickin' out o' my boots, An' I'm learnin' the damned old goose-step along o' the new recruits!

Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again. Don't look so 'ard, for I 'aven't no card, I'm back to the Army again!

I done my six years' service. 'Er Majesty sez: "Good day— You'll please to come when you're rung for, an' 'ere's your 'ole back pay; An' fourpence a day for baccy—an' bloomin' gen'rous, too; An' now you can make your fortune—the same as your orf'cers do."

Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again; 'Ow did I learn to do right-about turn? I'm back to the Army again!

A man o' four-an'-twenty that 'asn't learned of a trade— Beside "Reserve" agin' him—'e'd better be never made. I tried my luck for a quarter, an' that was enough for me, An' I thought of 'Er Majesty's barricks, an' I thought I'd go an' see.

Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again; 'Tisn't my fault if I dress when I 'alt— I'm back to the Army again!

The sergeant arst no questions, but 'e winked the other eye, E' sez to me, "'Shun!" an' I shunted, the same as in days gone by; For 'e saw the set o' my shoulders, an' I couldn't 'elp 'oldin' straight When me an' the other rookies come under the barrick gate.

Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again; 'Oo would ha' thought I could carry an' port? I'm back to the Army again!

I took my bath, an' I wallered—for, Gawd, I needed it so! I smelt the smell o' the barricks, I 'eard the bugles go. I 'eard the feet on the gravel—the feet o' the men what drill— An' I sez to my flutterin' 'eartstrings, I sez to 'em, "Peace, be still!"

Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again; 'Oo said I knew when the Jumner was due? I'm back to the Army again!

I carried my slops to the tailor; I sez to 'im, "None o' your lip! You tight 'em over the shoulders, an' loose 'em over the 'ip, For the set o' the tunic's 'orrid." An' 'e sez to me, "Strike me dead, But I thought you was used to the business!" an' so 'e done what I said.

Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again. Rather too free with my fancies? Wot—me? I'm back to the Army again!

Next week I'll 'ave 'em fitted; I'll buy me a walkin' cane; They'll let me free o' the barricks to walk on the Hoe again In the name o' William Parsons, that used to be Edward Clay, An'—any pore beggar that wants it can draw my fourpence a day!

Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again: Out o' the cold an' the rain, sergeant, Out o' the cold an' the rain.

'Oo's there? A man that's too good to be lost you, A man that is 'andled an' made— A man that will pay what 'e cost you In learnin' the others their trade—parade! You're droppin' the pick o' the Army Because you don't 'elp 'em remain, But drives 'em to cheat to get out o' the street An' back to the Army again!



"BIRDS OF PREY" MARCH.

March! The mud is cakin' good about our trousies. Front!—eyes front, an' watch the Colour-casin's drip. Front! The faces of the women in the 'ouses Ain't the kind o' things to take aboard the ship.

Cheer! An' we'll never march to victory. Cheer! An' we'll never live to 'ear the cannon roar! The Large Birds o' Prey They will carry us away, An' you'll never see your soldiers any more!

Wheel! Oh, keep your touch; we're goin' round a corner. Time!—mark time, an' let the men be'ind us close. Lord! the transport's full, an' 'alf our lot not on 'er— Cheer, O cheer! We're going off where no one knows.

March! The Devil's none so black as 'e is painted! Cheer! We'll 'ave some fun before we're put away. 'Alt, an' 'and 'er out—a woman's gone and fainted! Cheer! Get on—Gawd 'elp the married men to-day!

Hoi! Come up, you 'ungry beggars, to yer sorrow. ('Ear them say they want their tea, an' want it quick!) You won't have no mind for slingers, not to-morrow— No; you'll put the 'tween-decks stove out, bein' sick!

'Alt! The married kit 'as all to go before us! 'Course it's blocked the bloomin' gangway up again! Cheer, O cheer the 'Orse Guards watchin' tender o'er us, Keepin' us since eight this mornin' in the rain!

Stuck in 'eavy marchin'-order, sopped and wringin'— Sick, before our time to watch 'er 'eave an' fall, 'Ere's your 'appy 'ome at last, an' stop your singin'. 'Alt! Fall in along the troop-deck! Silence all!

Cheer! For we'll never live to see no bloomin' victory! Cheer! An' we'll never live to 'ear the cannon roar! (One cheer more!) The jackal an' the kite 'Ave an 'ealthy appetite, An' you'll never see your soldiers any more! ('Ip! Urroar!) The eagle an' the crow They are waitin' ever so, An' you'll never see your soldiers any more! ('Ip! Urroar!) Yes, the Large Birds o' Prey They will carry us away, An' you'll never see your soldiers any more!



"SOLDIER AN' SAILOR TOO."

As I was spittin' into the Ditch aboard o' the Crocodile, I seed a man on a man-o'-war got up in the Reg'lars' style. 'E was scrapin' the paint from off of 'er plates, an' I sez to 'im, "'Oo are you?" Sez 'e, "I'm a Jolly—'Er Majesty's Jolly—soldier an' sailor too!" Now 'is work begins at Gawd knows when, and 'is work is never through; 'E isn't one o' the reg'lar Line, nor 'e isn't one of the crew. 'E's a kind of a giddy harumfrodite—soldier an' sailor too!

An' after I met 'im all over the world, a-doin' all kinds of things, Like landin' 'isself with a Gatlin' gun to talk to them 'eathen kings; 'E sleeps in an 'ammick instead of a cot, an' 'e drills with the deck on a slew, An' 'e sweats like a Jolly—'Er Majesty's Jolly—soldier an' sailor too! For there isn't a job on the top o' the earth the beggar don't know, nor do. You can leave 'im at night on a bald man's 'ead, to paddle 'is own canoe; 'E's a sort of a bloomin' cosmopolouse—soldier an' sailor too.

We've fought 'em on trooper, we've fought 'em in dock, an' drunk with 'em in betweens, When they called us the seasick scull'ry maids, an' we called 'em the Ass Marines; But, when we was down for a double fatigue, from Woolwich to Bernardmyo, We sent for the Jollies—'Er Majesty's Jollies—soldier an' sailor too! They think for 'emselves, an' they steal for 'emselves, and they never ask what's to do, But they're camped an' fed an' they're up an' fed before our bugle's blew. Ho! they ain't no limpin' procrastitutes—soldier an' sailor too.

You may say we are fond of an 'arness-cut, or 'ootin' in barrick-yards, Or startin' a Board School mutiny along o' the Onion Guards; But once in a while we can finish in style for the ends of the earth to view, The same as the Jollies—'er Majesty's Jollies—soldier an' sailor too! They come of our lot, they was brothers to us; they was beggars we'd met an' knew; Yes, barrin' an inch in the chest an' the arms, they was doubles o' me an' you; For they weren't no special chrysanthemums—soldier an' sailor too!

To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about, Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin' to shout; But to stand an' be still to the Birken'ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew, An' they done it, the Jollies—'Er Majesty's Jollies—soldier an' sailor too! Their work was done when it 'adn't begun; they was younger nor me an' you; Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mashed by the screw, So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too!

We're most of us liars, we're 'arf of us thieves, an' the rest are as rank as can be, But once in a while we can finish in style (which I 'ope it won't 'appen to me). But it makes you think better o' you an' your friends, an' the work you may 'ave to do, When you think o' the sinkin' Victorier's Jollies—soldier an' sailor too! Now there isn't no room for to say ye don't know—they 'ave proved it plain and true— That whether it's Widow, or whether it's ship, Victorier's work is to do, An' they done it, the Jollies—'Er Majesty's Jollies—soldier an' sailor too!



SAPPERS.

When the Waters were dried an' the Earth did appear ("It's all one," says the Sapper), The Lord He created the Engineer, Her Majesty's Royal Engineer, With the rank and pay of a Sapper!

When the Flood come along for an extra monsoon, 'Twas Noah constructed the first pontoon To the plans of Her Majesty's, etc.

But after "fatigue" in the wet an' the sun, Old Noah got drunk, which he wouldn't ha' done If he'd trained with, etc.

When the Tower o' Babel had mixed up men's bat, Some clever civilian was managing that, An' none of, etc.

When the Jews had a fight at the foot of an 'ill, Young Joshua ordered the sun to stand still, For he was a Captain of Engineers, etc.

When the Children of Israel made bricks without straw, They were learnin' the regular work of our Corps, The work of, etc.

For ever since then, if a war they would wage, Behold us a-shinin' on history's page— First page for, etc.

We lay down their sidings an' help 'em entrain, An' we sweep up their mess through the bloomin' campaign, In the style of, etc.

They send us in front with a fuse an' a mine To blow up the gates that are rushed by the Line, But bent by, etc.

They send us behind with a pick an' a spade, To dig for the guns of a bullock-brigade Which has asked for, etc.

We work under escort in trousies an' shirt, An' the heathen they plug us tail-up in the dirt, Annoying, etc.

We blast out the rock an' we shovel the mud, We make 'em good roads an'—they roll down the khud, Reporting, etc.

We make 'em their bridges, their wells, an' their huts, An' the telegraph-wire the enemy cuts, An' it's blamed on, etc.

An' when we return an' from war we would cease, They grudge us adornin' the billets of peace, Which are kept for, etc.

We build 'em nice barricks—they swear they are bad, That our Colonels are Methodist, married or mad, Insultin', etc.

They haven't no manners nor gratitude too, For the more that we help 'em the less will they do, But mock at, etc.

Now the Line's but a man with a gun in his hand, An' Cavalry's only what horses can stand, When helped by, etc.

Artillery moves by the leave o' the ground, But we are the men that do something all round, For we are, etc.

I have stated it plain, an' my argument's thus, ("It's all one," says the Sapper), There's only one Corps which is perfect—that's us; An' they call us Her Majesty's Engineers, Her Majesty's Royal Engineers, With the rank and pay of a Sapper!



THAT DAY.

It got beyond all orders an' it got beyond all 'ope; It got to shammin' wounded an' retirin' from the 'alt. 'Ole companies was lookin' for the nearest road to slope; It were just a bloomin' knock-out—an' our fault!

Now there ain't no chorus 'ere to give, Nor there ain't no band to play; An' I wish I was dead 'fore I done what I did Or seen what I seed that day!

We was sick o' bein' punished, an' we let 'em know it, too; An' a company-commander up an' 'it us with a sword, An' some one shouted "'Ook it!" an' it come to sove-ki-poo, An' we chucked our rifles from us—oh, my Gawd!

There was thirty dead an' wounded on the ground we wouldn't keep— No, there wasn't more than twenty when the front begun to go; But, Christ! along the line o' flight they cut us up like sheep, An' that was all we gained by doin' so.

I 'eard the knives be'ind me, but I dursn't face my man, An' I don't know where I went to, 'cause I didn't 'alt to see, Till I 'eard a beggar squealin' out for quarter as 'e ran, An' I thought I knew the voice an'—it was me!

We was 'idin' under bedsteads more than 'arf a march away; We was lyin' up like rabbits all about the country side; An' the major cursed 'is Maker 'cause 'e lived to see that day, An' the colonel broke 'is sword acrost, an' cried.

We was rotten 'fore we started—we was never disciplined; We made it out a favour if an order was obeyed; Yes, every little drummer 'ad 'is rights an' wrongs to mind, So we had to pay for teachin'—an' we paid!

The papers 'id it 'andsome, but you know the Army knows; We was put to groomin' camels till the regiments withdrew, An' they give us each a medal for subduin' England's foes, An' I 'ope you like my song—because it's true!

An' there ain't no chorus 'ere to give, Nor there ain't no band to play; But I wish I was dead 'fore I done what I did Or seen what I seed that day!



"THE MEN THAT FOUGHT AT MINDEN."

A SONG OF INSTRUCTION.

The men that fought at Minden, they was rookies in their time— So was them that fought at Waterloo! All the 'ole command, yuss, from Minden to Maiwand, They was once dam' sweeps like you!

Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper, We'll learn you not to forget; An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse, For we'll make you soldiers yet.

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad stocks beneath their chins, Six inch 'igh an' more; But fatigue it was their pride, and they would not be denied To clean the cook-'ouse floor.

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad anarchistic bombs Served to 'em by name of 'and-grenades; But they got it in the eye (same as you will by an' by) When they clubbed their field-parades.

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad buttons up an' down, Two-an'-twenty dozen of 'em told; But they didn't grouse an' shirk at an hour's extry work, They kept 'em bright as gold.

The men that fought at Minden, they was armed with musketoons, Also, they was drilled by 'alberdiers; I don't know what they were, but the sergeants took good care They washed be'ind their ears.

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad ever cash in 'and Which they did not bank nor save, But spent it gay an' free on their betters—such as me— For the good advice I gave.

The men that fought at Minden, they was civil—yuss, they was— Never didn't talk o' rights an' wrongs, But they got it with the toe (same as you will get it—so!)— For interrupting songs.

The men that fought at Minden, they was several other things Which I don't remember clear; But that's the reason why, now the six-year men are dry, The rooks will stand the beer!

Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper, We'll learn you not to forget; An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse, And we'll make you soldiers yet.

Soldiers yet, if you've got it in you— All for the sake o' the Core; Soldiers yet, if we 'ave to skin you— Run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw—Johnny Raw! Ho! run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw!



CHOLERA CAMP.

We've got the cholerer in camp—it's worse than forty fights; We're dyin' in the wilderness the same as Isrulites! It's before us, an' be'ind us, an' we cannot get away, An' the doctor's just reported we've ten more to-day!

Oh, strike your camp an' go, the bugle's callin', The Rains are fallin'— The dead are bushed an' stoned to keep 'em safe below; The Band's a-doin' all she knows to cheer us; The chaplain's gone and prayed to Gawd to 'ear us— To 'ear us— O Lord, for it's a-killing of us so!

Since August, when it started, it's been sticking to our tail, Tho' they've 'ad us out by marches an' they've 'ad us back by rail; But it runs as fast as troop-trains, an' we can not get away; An' the sick-list to the Colonel makes ten more to-day.

There ain't no fun in women nor there ain't no bite to drink; It's much too wet for shootin', we can only march and think; An' at evenin', down the nullahs, we can 'ear the jackals say, "Get up, you rotten beggars, you've ten more to-day!"

'Twould make a monkey cough to see our way o' doin' things— Lieutenants takin' companies an' captains takin' wings, An' Lances actin' Sergeants—eight file to obey— For we've lots o' quick promotion on ten deaths a day!

Our Colonel's white an' twitterly—'e gets no sleep nor food, But mucks about in 'orspital where nothing does no good. 'E sends us 'eaps o' comforts, all bought from 'is pay— But there aren't much comfort 'andy on ten deaths a day.

Our Chaplain's got a banjo, an' a skinny mule 'e rides, An' the stuff 'e says an' sings us, Lord, it makes us split our sides! With 'is black coat-tails a-bobbin' to Ta-ra-ra Boom-der-ay! 'E's the proper kind o' padre for ten deaths a day.

An' Father Victor 'elps 'im with our Roman Catholicks— He knows an 'eap of Irish songs an' rummy conjurin' tricks; An' the two they works together when it comes to play or pray; So we keep the ball a-rollin' on ten deaths a day.

We've got the cholerer in camp—we've got it 'ot an' sweet; It ain't no Christmas dinner, but it's 'elped an' we must eat. We've gone beyond the funkin', 'cause we've found it doesn't pay, An' we're rockin' round the Districk on ten deaths a day!

Then strike your camp an' go, the Rains are fallin', The bugle's callin'! The dead are bushed an' stoned to keep 'em safe below! An' them that do not like it they can lump it, An' them that can not stand it they can jump it; We've got to die somewhere—some way—some'ow— We might as well begin to do it now! Then, Number One, let down the tent-pole slow, Knock out the pegs an' 'old the corners—so! Fold in the flies, furl up the ropes, an' stow! Oh, strike—oh, strike your camp an' go! (Gawd 'elp us!)



THE LADIES.

I've taken my fun where I've found it; I've rogued an' I've ranged in my time; I've 'ad my pickin' o' sweet'earts, An' four o' the lot was prime. One was an 'arf-caste widow, One was a woman at Prome, One was the wife of a jemadar-sais,[1] An' one is a girl at 'ome.

Now I aren't no 'and with the ladies, For, takin' 'em all along, You never can say till you've tried 'em, An' then you are like to be wrong. There's times when you'll think that you mightn't, There's times when you'll know that you might; But the things you will learn from the Yellow an' Brown, They'll 'elp you an 'eap with the White!

I was a young un at 'Oogli, Shy as a girl to begin; Aggie de Castrer she made me, An' Aggie was clever as sin; Older than me, but my first un— More like a mother she were— Showed me the way to promotion an' pay, An' I learned about women from 'er.

Then I was ordered to Burma, Actin' in charge o' Bazar, An' I got me a tiddy live 'eathen Through buyin' supplies off 'er pa. Funny an' yellow an' faithful— Doll in a teacup she were, But we lived on the square, like a true-married pair, An' I learned about women from 'er.

Then we was shifted to Neemuch (Or I might ha' been keepin' 'er now), An' I took with a shiny she-devil, The wife of a nigger at Mhow; Taught me the gipsy-folks' bolee;[2] Kind o' volcano she were, For she knifed me one night 'cause I wished she was white, And I learned about women from 'er.

Then I come 'ome in the trooper, 'Long of a kid o' sixteen— Girl from a convent at Meerut, The straightest I ever 'ave seen. Love at first sight was 'er trouble, She didn't know what it were; An' I wouldn't do such, 'cause I liked 'er too much, But—I learned about women from 'er!

I've taken my fun where I've found it, An' now I must pay for my fun, For the more you 'ave known o' the others The less will you settle to one; An' the end of it's sittin' and thinkin', An' dreamin' Hell-fires to see; So be warned by my lot (which I know you will not), An' learn about women from me!

What did the colonel's lady think? Nobody never knew. Somebody asked the sergeant's wife, An' she told 'em true. When you get to a man in the case, They're like as a row of pins— For the colonel's lady an' Judy O'Grady Are sisters under their skins!

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Head-groom.

[2] Slang.



BILL 'AWKINS.

"'As anybody seen Bill 'Awkins?" "Now 'ow in the devil would I know?" "'E's taken my girl out walkin', An' I've got to tell 'im so— Gawd—bless—'im! I've got to tell 'im so."

"D'yer know what 'e's like, Bill 'Awkins?" "Now what in the devil would I care?" "'E's the livin', breathin' image of an organ-grinder's monkey, With a pound of grease in 'is 'air— Gawd—bless—'im! An' a pound o' grease in 'is 'air."

"An' s'pose you met Bill 'Awkins, Now what in the devil 'ud ye do?" "I'd open 'is cheek to 'is chin-strap buckle, An' bung up 'is both eyes, too— Gawd—bless—'im! An' bung up 'is both eyes, too!"

"Look 'ere, where 'e comes, Bill 'Awkins! Now what in the devil will you say?" "It isn't fit an' proper to be fightin' on a Sunday, So I'll pass 'im the time o' day— Gawd—bless—'im! I'll pass 'im the time o' day!"



THE MOTHER-LODGE.

There was Rundle, Station Master, An' Beazeley of the Rail, An' 'Ackman, Commissariat, An' Donkin o' the Jail; An' Blake, Conductor-Sargent, Our Master twice was 'e, With 'im that kept the Europe shop, Old Framjee Eduljee.

Outside—"Sergeant! Sir! Salute! Salaam!" Inside—"Brother," an' it doesn't do no 'arm. We met upon the Level an' we parted on the Square, An' I was Junior Deacon in my Mother Lodge out there!

We'd Bola Nath, Accountant, An' Saul the Aden Jew, An' Din Mohammed, draughtsman Of the Survey Office too; There was Babu Chuckerbutty, An' Amir Singh the Sikh, An' Castro from the fittin'-sheds, The Roman Catholick!

We 'adn't good regalia, An' our Lodge was old an' bare, But we knew the Ancient Landmarks, An' we kep' 'em to a hair; An' lookin' on it backwards It often strikes me thus, There ain't such things as infidels, Excep', per'aps, it's us.

For monthly, after Labour, We'd all sit down and smoke (We dursn't give no banquits, Lest a Brother's caste were broke), An' man on man got talkin' Religion an' the rest, An' every man comparin' Of the God 'e knew the best.

So man on man got talkin', An' not a Brother stirred Till mornin' waked the parrots An' that dam' brain-fever-bird; We'd say 'twas 'ighly curious, An' we'd all ride 'ome to bed, With Mo'ammed, God, an' Shiva Changin' pickets in our 'ead.

Full oft on Guv'ment service This rovin' foot 'ath pressed, An' bore fraternal greetin's To the Lodges east an' west, Accordin' as commanded From Kohat to Singapore, But I wish that I might see them In my Mother Lodge once more!

I wish that I might see them, My Brethren black an' brown, With the trichies smellin' pleasant An' the hog-darn[3] passin' down; An' the old khansamah[4] snorin' On the bottle-khana[5] floor, Like a Master in good standing With my Mother Lodge once more!

Outside—"Sergeant! Sir! Salute! Salaam!" Inside—"Brother," an' it doesn't do no 'arm. We met upon the Level an' we parted on the Square, An' I was Junior Deacon in my Mother Lodge out there!

FOOTNOTES:

[3] Cigar-lighter.

[4] Butler.

[5] Pantry.



"FOLLOW ME 'OME."

There was no one like 'im, 'Orse or Foot, Nor any o' the Guns I knew; An' because it was so, why, o' course 'e went an' died, Which is just what the best men do.

So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me! An' it's finish up your swipes an' follow me! Oh, 'ark to the big drum callin', Follow me—follow me 'ome!

'Is mare she neighs the 'ole day long, She paws the 'ole night through, An' she won't take 'er feed 'cause o' waitin' for 'is step, Which is just what a beast would do.

'Is girl she goes with a bombardier Before 'er month is through; An' the banns are up in church, for she's got the beggar hooked, Which is just what a girl would do.

We fought 'bout a dog—last week it were— No more than a round or two; But I strook 'im cruel 'ard, an' I wish I 'adn't now, Which is just what a man can't do.

'E was all that I 'ad in the way of a friend, An' I've 'ad to find one new; But I'd give my pay an' stripe for to get the beggar back, Which it's just too late to do.

So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me! An' it's finish off your swipes an' follow me! Oh, 'ark to the fifes a-crawlin'! Follow me—follow me 'ome!

Take 'im away! 'E's gone where the best men go. Take 'im away! An' the gun-wheels turnin' slow. Take 'im away! There's more from the place 'e come. Take 'im away, with the limber an' the drum.

For it's "Three rounds blank" an' follow me, An' it's "Thirteen rank" an' follow me; Oh, passin' the love o' women, Follow me—follow me 'ome!



THE SERGEANT'S WEDDIN'.

'E was warned agin' 'er— That's what made 'im look; She was warned agin' 'im— That is why she took. Wouldn't 'ear no reason, Went an' done it blind; We know all about 'em, They've got all to find!

Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin'— Give 'em one cheer more! Gray gun-'orses in the lando, An' a rogue is married to, etc.

What's the use o' tellin' 'Arf the lot she's been? 'E's a bloomin' robber, An' 'e keeps canteen. 'Ow did 'e get 'is buggy? Gawd, you needn't ask! Made 'is forty gallon Out of every cask!

Watch 'im, with 'is 'air cut, Count us filin' by— Won't the Colonel praise 'is Pop—u—lar—i—ty! We 'ave scores to settle— Scores for more than beer; She's the girl to pay 'em— That is why we're 'ere!

See the chaplain thinkin'? See the women smile? Twig the married winkin' As they take the aisle? Keep your side-arms quiet, Dressin' by the Band. Ho! You 'oly beggars, Cough be'ind your 'and!

Now it's done an' over, 'Ear the organ squeak, "Voice that breathed o'er Eden"— Ain't she got the cheek! White an' laylock ribbons, Think yourself so fine! I'd pray Gawd to take yer 'Fore I made yer mine!

Escort to the kerridge, Wish 'im luck, the brute! Chuck the slippers after— [Pity 'taint a boot!] Bowin' like a lady, Blushin' like a lad— 'Oo would say to see 'em— Both are rotten bad!

Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin'— Give 'em one cheer more! Gray gun-'orses in the lando, An' a rogue is married to, etc.



THE JACKET.

Through the Plagues of Egyp' we was chasin' Arabi, Gettin' down an' shovin' in the sun; An' you might 'ave called us dirty, an' you might ha' called us dry, An' you might 'ave 'eard us talkin' at the gun. But the Captain 'ad 'is jacket, an' the jacket it was new— ('Orse-Gunners, listen to my song!) An' the wettin' of the jacket is the proper thing to do, Nor we didn't keep 'im waiting very long!

One day they give us orders for to shell a sand redoubt, Loadin' down the axle-arms with case; But the Captain knew 'is dooty, an' he took the crackers out, An' he put some proper liquor in its place. An' the Captain saw the shrapnel (which is six-an'-thirty clear). ('Orse-Gunners, listen to my song!) "Will you draw the weight," sez 'e, "or will you draw the beer?" An' we didn't keep 'im waitin' very long.

For the Captain, etc.

Then we trotted gentle, not to break the bloomin' glass, Though the Arabites 'ad all their ranges marked; But we dursn't 'ardly gallop, for the most was bottled Bass, An' we'd dreamed of it since we was disembarked. So we fired economic with the shells we 'ad in 'and, ('Orse-Gunners, listen to my song!) But the beggars under cover 'ad the impidence to stand, An' we couldn't keep 'em waitin' very long.

And the Captain, etc.

So we finished 'arf the liquor (an' the Captain took champagne), An' the Arabites was shootin' all the while; An' we left our wounded 'appy with the empties on the plain, An' we used the bloomin' guns for pro-jec-tile! We limbered up an' galloped—there were nothin' else to do— ('Orse-Gunners, listen to my song!) An' the Battery come a-boundin' like a boundin' kangaroo, But they didn't watch us comin' very long.

As the Captain, etc.

We was goin' most extended—we was drivin' very fine, An' the Arabites were loosin' 'igh an' wide, Till the Captain took the glassy with a rattlin' right incline, An' we dropped upon their 'eads the other side. Then we give 'em quarter—such as 'adn't up and cut, ('Orse-Gunners, listen to my song!) An' the Captain stood a limberful of fizzy—somethin' Brutt, But we didn't leave it fizzing very long.

For the Captain, etc.

We might ha' been court-martialled, but it all come out all right When they signalled us to join the main command. There was every round expended, there was every gunner tight, An' the Captain waved a corkscrew in 'is 'and!

But the Captain had 'is jacket, etc.



THE 'EATHEN.

The 'eathen in 'is blindness bows down to wood an' stone; 'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own; 'E keeps 'is side-arms awful: 'e leaves 'em all about, An' then comes up the regiment an' pokes the 'eathen out.

All along o' dirtiness, all along o' mess, All along o' doin' things rather-more-or-less, All along of abby-nay,[6] kul,[7] and hazar-ho,[8] Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so!

The young recruit is 'aughty—'e draf's from Gawd knows where; They bid 'im show 'is stockin's an' lay 'is mattress square; 'E calls it bloomin' nonsense—'e doesn't know, no more— An' then up comes 'is company an' kicks 'em round the floor!

The young recruit is 'ammered—'e takes it very 'ard; 'E 'angs 'is 'ead an' mutters—'e sulks about the yard; 'E talks o' "cruel tyrants" 'e'll swing for by-an'-bye, An' the others 'ears an' mocks 'im, an' the boy goes orf to cry.

The young recruit is silly—'e thinks o' suicide; 'E's lost 'is gutter-devil; 'e 'asn't got 'is pride; But day by day they kicks 'im, which 'elps 'im on a bit, Till 'e finds 'isself one mornin' with a full an' proper kit.

Gettin' clear o' dirtiness, gettin' done with mess, Gettin' shut o' doin' things rather-more-or-less; Not so fond of abby-nay, kul, nor hazar-ho, Learns to keep 'is rifle an' 'isself jus' so!

The young recruit is 'appy—'e throws a chest to suit; You see 'im grow mustaches; you 'ear 'im slap 'is boot; 'E learns to drop the "bloodies" from every word he slings, An' 'e shows an 'ealthy brisket when 'e strips for bars an' rings.

The cruel tyrant sergeants they watch 'im 'arf a year; They watch 'im with 'is comrades, they watch 'im with 'is beer; They watch 'im with the women, at the regimental dance, And the cruel tyrant sergeants send 'is name along for "Lance."

An' now 'e's 'arf o' nothin', an' all a private yet, 'Is room they up an' rags 'im to see what they will get; They rags 'im low an' cunnin', each dirty trick they can, But 'e learns to sweat 'is temper an' 'e learns to know 'is man.

An', last, a Colour-Sergeant, as such to be obeyed, 'E leads 'is men at cricket, 'e leads 'em on parade; They sees 'em quick an' 'andy, uncommon set an' smart, An' so 'e talks to orficers which 'ave the Core at 'eart.

'E learns to do 'is watchin' without it showin' plain; 'E learns to save a dummy, an' shove 'im straight again; 'E learns to check a ranker that's buyin' leave to shirk; An' 'e learns to make men like 'im so they'll learn to like their work.

An' when it comes to marchin' he'll see their socks are right, An' when it comes to action 'e shows 'em 'ow to sight; 'E knows their ways of thinkin' and just what's in their mind; 'E feels when they are comin' on an' when they've fell be'ind.

'E knows each talkin' corpril that leads a squad astray; 'E feels 'is innards 'eavin', 'is bowels givin' way; 'E sees the blue-white faces all tryin' 'ard to grin, An' 'e stands an' waits an' suffers till it's time to cap 'em in.

An' now the hugly bullets come peckin' through the dust, An' no one wants to face 'em, but every beggar must; So, like a man in irons which isn't glad to go, They moves 'em off by companies uncommon stiff an' slow.

Of all 'is five years' schoolin' they don't remember much Excep' the not retreatin', the step an' keepin' touch. It looks like teachin' wasted when they duck an' spread an' 'op, But if 'e 'adn't learned 'em they'd be all about the shop!

An' now it's "'Oo goes backward?" an' now it's "'Oo comes on?" An' now it's "Get the doolies," an' now the captain's gone; An' now it's bloody murder, but all the while they 'ear 'Is voice, the same as barrick drill, a-shepherdin' the rear.

'E's just as sick as they are, 'is 'eart is like to split, But 'e works 'em, works 'em, works 'em till 'e feels 'em take the bit; The rest is 'oldin' steady till the watchful bugles play, An' 'e lifts 'em, lifts 'em, lifts 'em through the charge that wins the day!

The 'eathen in 'is blindness bows down to wood an' stone; 'E don't obey no orders unless they is 'is own; The 'eathen in 'is blindness must end where 'e began, But the backbone of the Army is the noncommissioned man!

Keep away from dirtiness—keep away from mess. Don't get into doin' things rather-more-or-less! Let's ha' done with abby-nay, kul, an' hazar-ho; Mind you keep your rifle an' yourself jus' so!

FOOTNOTES:

[6] Not now.

[7] To-morrow.

[8] Wait a bit.



THE SHUT-EYE SENTRY.

Sez the Junior Orderly Sergeant To the Senior Orderly Man: "Our Orderly Orf'cer's hokee-mut, You 'elp 'im all you can. For the wine was old and the night is cold, An' the best we may go wrong, So, 'fore 'e gits to the sentry-box, You pass the word along."

Then it was "Rounds! What rounds?" at two of a frosty night, 'E's 'oldin' on by the sergeant's sash, but, sentry, shut your eye. An' it's "Pass! All's well!" Oh, ain't 'e rockin' tight! 'E'll need an affidavit pretty badly by-an'-bye.

The moon was white on the barricks, The road was white an' wide, An' the Orderly Orf'cer took it all, An' the ten-foot ditch beside. An' the corporal pulled an' the sergeant pushed, An' the three they wagged along, But I'd shut my eyes in the sentry-box, So I didn't see nothin' wrong.

Though it was "Rounds! What rounds?" O corporal, 'old 'im up! 'E's usin' 'is cap as it shouldn't be used, but, sentry, shut your eye. An' it's "Pass! All's well!" Ho, shun the foamin' cup! 'E'll need, etc.

'Twas after four in the mornin'; We 'ad to stop the fun, An' we sent 'im 'ome on a bullock-cart, With 'is belt an' stock undone; But we sluiced 'im down an' we washed 'im out, An' a first-class job we made, When we saved 'im smart as a bombardier For six o'clock parade.

It 'ad been "Rounds! What rounds?" Oh, shove 'im straight again! 'E's usin' 'is sword for a bicycle, but, sentry, shut your eye. An' it was "Pass! All's well!" 'E's called me "darlin' Jane"! 'E'll need, etc.

The drill was 'ard an' 'eavy, The sky was 'ot an' blue, An' 'is eye was wild an' 'is 'air was wet, But 'is sergeant pulled 'im through. Our men was good old trusties— They'd done it on their 'ead; But you ought to 'ave 'eard 'em markin' time To 'ide the things 'e said!

For it was "Right flank—wheel!" for "'Alt, an' stand at ease!" An' "Left extend!" for "Centre close!" O marker, shut your eye! An' it was, "'Ere, sir, 'ere! before the colonel sees!" So he needed affidavits pretty badly by-an'-bye.

There was two-an'-thirty sergeants, There was corp'rals forty-one, There was just nine 'undred rank an' file To swear to a touch o' sun. There was me 'e'd kissed in the sentry-box (As I 'ave not told in my song), But I took my oath, which were Bible truth, I 'adn't seen nothin' wrong.

There's them that's 'ot an' 'aughty, There's them that's cold an' 'ard, But there comes a night when the best gets tight, An' then turns out the Guard. I've seen them 'ide their liquor In every kind o' way, But most depends on makin' friends With Privit Thomas A.

When it is "Rounds! What rounds?" 'E's breathin' through 'is nose. 'E's reelin', rollin', roarin' ripe, but, sentry, shut your eye. An' it's "Pass! All's well!" An' that's the way it goes. We'll 'elp 'im for 'is mother, an' 'e'll 'elp us by-an'-bye.



"MARY, PITY WOMEN!"

You call yourself a man, For all you used to swear, An' leave me, as you can, My certain shame to bear? I 'ear! You do not care— You done the worst you know. I 'ate you, grinnin' there.... Ah, Gawd, I love you so!

Nice while it lasted, an' now it is over— Tear out your 'eart an' good-bye to your lover! What's the use o' grievin', when the mother that bore you (Mary, pity women!) knew it all before you?

It aren't no false alarm, The finish to your fun; You—you 'ave brung the 'arm, An' I'm the ruined one; An' now you'll off an' run With some new fool in tow. Your 'eart? You 'aven't none.... Ah, Gawd, I love you so!

When a man is tired there is naught will bind 'im; All 'e solemn promised 'e will shove be'ind 'im. What's the good o' prayin' for The Wrath to strike 'im, (Mary, pity women!) when the rest are like 'im?

What 'ope for me or—it? What's left for us to do? I've walked with men a bit, But this—but this is you! So 'elp me Christ, it's true! Where can I 'ide or go? You coward through an' through!... Ah, Gawd, I love you so!

All the more you give 'em the less are they for givin'! Love lies dead, an' you can not kiss 'im livin'. Down the road 'e led you there is no returnin', (Mary, pity women!) but you're late in learnin'.

You'd like to treat me fair? You can't, because we're pore? We'd starve? What do I care! We might, but this is shore: I want the name—no more— The name, an' lines to show, An' not to be an 'ore.... Ah, Gawd, I love you so!

What's the good o' pleadin', when the mother that bore you (Mary, pity women!) knew it all before you? Sleep on 'is promises an' wake to your sorrow, (Mary, pity women!) for we sail to-morrow!



FOR TO ADMIRE.

The Injian Ocean sets an' smiles So sof', so bright, so bloomin' blue; There aren't a wave for miles an' miles Excep' the jiggle from the screw. The ship is swep', the day is done, The bugle's gone for smoke an' play; An' black agin' the settin' sun The Lascar sings, "Hum deckty hai!"[9]

For to admire an' for to see, For to be'old this world so wide— It never done no good to me, But I can't drop it if I tried!

I see the sergeants pitchin' quoits, I 'ear the women laugh an' talk, I spy upon the quarter-deck The orficers an' lydies walk. I thinks about the things that was, An' leans an' looks acrost the sea, Till, spite of all the crowded ship, There's no one lef' alive but me.

The things that was which I 'ave seen, In barrick, camp, an' action too, I tells them over by myself, An' sometimes wonders if they're true; For they was odd—most awful odd— But all the same now they are o'er, There must be 'eaps o' plenty such, An' if I wait I'll see some more.

Oh, I 'ave come upon the books, An' often broke a barrick rule, An' stood beside an' watched myself Be'avin' like a bloomin' fool. I paid my price for findin' out, Nor never grutched the price I paid, But sat in Clink without my boots, Admirin' 'ow the world was made.

Be'old a cloud upon the beam, An' 'umped above the sea appears Old Aden, like a barrick-stove That no one's lit for years an' years! I passed by that when I began, An' I go 'ome the road I came, A time-expired soldier-man With six years' service to 'is name.

My girl she said, "Oh, stay with me!" My mother 'eld me to 'er breast. They've never written none, an' so They must 'ave gone with all the rest— With all the rest which I 'ave seen An' found an' known an' met along. I cannot say the things I feel, But still I sing my evenin' song:

For to admire an' for to see, For to be'old this world so wide— It never done no good to me, But I can't drop it if I tried!

FOOTNOTES:

[9] "I'm looking out."



L'ENVOI

When Earth's last picture is painted, and the tubes are twisted and dried, When the oldest colours have faded, and the youngest critic has died, We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it—lie down for an aeon or two, Till the Master of All Good Workmen shall set us to work anew!

And those that were good shall be happy: they shall sit in a golden chair; They shall splash at a ten-league canvas with brushes of comets' hair; They shall find real saints to draw from—Magdalene, Peter, and Paul; They shall work for an age at a sitting and never be tired at all!

And only the Master shall praise us, and only the Master shall blame; And no one shall work for money, and no one shall work for fame; But each for the joy of the working, and each, in his separate star, Shall draw the Thing as he sees It for the God of Things as They Are!



* * * * *



Transcriber's Note:

Variant and dialect spellings remain as printed. Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note, whilst significant amendments have been listed below:

pp. iii, 31, "MCANDREW'S HYMN" amended to MCANDREWS' HYMN;

p. 89, "lea" amended to lee: "... Whirling like a windmill on the dirty scud to lee ..."

THE END