Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/507

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 489

Back to the Army again, sergeant

Back to the Army again. 'Oo would ha' thought I could carry an' port? 1

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 'card the bugles go.

I 'eard the feet on the gravel the feet o' the men what

drill An' I sez to my flutterin' 'eart-strings, I sez to 'em, "Peace,

be still!"

Back to the Army again, sergeant,

Back to the Army again. 'Oo said I knew when the troopship 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 swagger-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!

1 Carry and port his rifle.