Page:The Five Nations.djvu/217

 HALF-BALLAD OF WATERVAL

by the labour of my 'ands

I've 'elped to pack a transport tight

With prisoners for foreign lands,

I ain't transported with delight.

I know it's only just an' right,

But yet it somehow sickens me,

For I 'ave learned at Waterval

The meanin' of captivity.

Be'ind the pegged barb-wire strands,

Beneath the tall electric light,

We used to walk in bare-'ead bands,

Explainin' 'ow we lost our fight.

An' that is what they'll do to-night

Upon the steamer out at sea,

If I 'ave learned at Waterval

The meanin' of captivity.

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