Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/558

 540 RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE

For 'Im an' 'Er an' It

(An' Two an' One make Three)

'E wants to finish 'is little bit, An' 'e wants to go 'ome to 'is tea!

The bachelor pokes up 'is 'ead

To see if you are gone; But the married man lies down instead,

An' waits till the sights come on, For 'Im an' 'Er an' a hit

(Direct or ricochee) 'E wants to finish 'is little bit,

An' 'e wants to go 'ome to 'is tea.

The bachelor will miss you clear

To fight another day; But the married man, 'e says "No fear!"

'E wants you out of the way Of 'Im an' 'Er an' It

(An* 'is road to 'is farm or the sea), 'E wants to finish 'is little bit,

An' 'e wants to go 'ome to 'is tea.

The bachelor 'e fights 'is fight

An' stretches out an' snores; But the married man sits up all night

For 'e don't like out-o'-doors. 'E'll strain an' listen an' peer

An' give the first alarm For the sake o' the breathin* 'e's used to 'ear

An' the 'ead on the thick of 'is arm.

The bachelor may risk 'is 'ide

To 'elp you when you're downed;

But the married man will wait beside Till the ambulance comes round.