Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/517

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 499

The men that fought at Minden, they had 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 mus-

ketoons,

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!