Page:Canadian poems of the great war.djvu/216

 Robert W. Service

A Zouave, wounded, in a ditch, and knowing death was

nigh, He laughed with joy: Ah! here is where I settle ere I

die. He clutched his rifle once again, and long he aimed and

well. . . A shot! Beside his victims ten the Uhlan Captain fell.

They dragged the wounded Zouave out; their rage was like a flame.

With bayonets they pinned him down, until their Major came.

A blonde, full-blooded man he was, and arrogant of eye ;

He stared to see with shattered skull his favourite Cap tain lie.

Nay, do not finish him so quick, this foreign swine/ he cried ;

Go nail him to the big church door: he shall be crucified.

With bayonets through hands and feet they nailed the

Zouave there, And there was anguish in his eyes, and horror in his

stare ; Water! A single drop! he moaned; but how they

jeered at him, And mocked him with an empty cup, and saw his sight

grow dim;

And as in agony of death with blood his lips were wet, The Prussian Major gaily laughed, and lit a cigarette.

But mid the white-faced villagers who cowered in horror by,

Was one who saw the woeful sight, who heard the woe ful cry :

Water ! One little drop, I beg ! For love of Christ who died. ..

It was the little Jean Desprez who turned and stole aside ;

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