Page:The Seven Seas (Kipling, 1896).djvu/204

 'THE MEN THAT FOUGHT AT MINDEN'

A SONG OF INSTRUCTION

men that fought at Minden, they was rookies in their time—

So was them that fought at Waterloo!

All the 'ole command, yuss, from Minden to Maiwand,

They was once dam' sweeps like you!

Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper.

We'll learn you not to forget;

An' you mustn't swear an curse, or you'll only catch it worse.

For we'll make you soldiers yet!

The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad stocks beneath their chins,

Six inch 'igh an' more;