Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/567

 INCLUSIVE EDITION, 1885-1918 549

They can't be certain faces alter so

After the old aasvogel 1 's 'ad 'is share. The uniform 's the mark by which they go

And ain't it odd? the one we best can spare.

We might 'ave seen our chance to cut the show Name, number, record, an' begin elsewhere

Leavin' some not too late-lamented foe

One funeral private British for 'is share.

We may 'ave took it yonder in the Low

Bush-veldt that sends men stragglin' unaware

Among the Kaffirs, till their columns go, An' they are left past call or count or care.

We might 'ave been your lovers long ago, 'Usbands or children comfort or despair.

Our death (an' burial) settles all we owe, An' why we done it is our own affair.

Marry again, and we will not say no,

Nor come to barstardise the kids you bear.

Wait on in 'ope you've all your life below Before you'll ever 'ear us on the stair.

There is no need to give our reasons, though Gawd knows we all 'ad reasons which were fair;

But other people might not judge 'em so And now it doesn't matter what they were.

W T hat man can weigh or size another's woe?

There are some things too bitter 'ard to bear. Suffice it we 'ave finished Domino!

As we can testify, for we are there, In the side-world where "wilful-missings" go.

1 Vulture.