Page:The Five Nations.djvu/222

202 From Plewman's to Marabastad,

From Ookiep to De Aar

Me an' my trusty friend 'ave 'ad,

As you might say, a war;

But seein' what both parties done

Before 'e owned defeat,

I ain't more proud of 'avin' won,

Than I am pleased with Piet.

Ah there, Piet!—picked up be'ind the drive!

The wonder wasn't 'ow 'e fought, but 'ow 'e kep' alive,

With nothin' in 'is belly, on 'is back, or to 'is feet—

I've known a lot o' men behave a dam' sight worse than Piet.

No more I'll 'ear 'is rifle crack

Along the block'ouse fence—

The beggar's on the peaceful tack,

Regardless of expense.

For countin' what 'e eats an' draws,

An' gifts an' loans as well,

'E's gettin' 'alf the Earth, because

'E didn't give us 'Ell!