Page:The Five Nations.djvu/215

Rh For we might 'ave crossed the drift before the twilight,

Instead o' sitting down an' takin' root;

But we was not allowed, so the Boojers scooped the crowd,

To the last survivin' bandolier an' boot.

The General saw the farm'ouse in 'is rear,

With its stoep so nicely shaded from the sun;

Sez 'e, "I'll pitch my tabernacle 'ere,"

An' 'e kept us muckin' round till 'e 'ad done.

For 'e might 'ave caught the confluent pneumonia

From sleepin' in his gaiters in the dew;

So 'e took a book an' dozed while the other columns closed,

And 's commando out an' trickled through!

The General saw the mountain-range ahead,

With their 'elios showin' saucy on the 'eight,

So 'e 'eld us to the level ground instead,

An' telegraphed the Boojers wouldn't fight.