Page:The moods of Ginger Mick.djvu/119

 Rh When I think uv things that might 'ave been I sometimes sit an' grin, Fer I might be King uv Footscray if we'd 'ad more discipline.

"I've got a push to 'andle now wot makes a soljer proud. Yeh ort to see the boys uv my ole squad. The willin'est, the cheeriest, don'-care-a-damest crowd An' the toughest ever seen outside o' quod. I reckon that they gimme 'em becos they wus so meek, But they know me, an' they understan' the lingo that I speak.

"So I'm a little corperil, wiv pretties on me arm, But yeh'd never guess it fer to see me now, Fer me valet 'e's been careless an' me trooso's come to 'arm, An' me pants want creasin' badly I'll allow. But to see me squad in action is a cure fer sandy blight. They are shy on table manners, but they've notions 'ow ter fight.

"There's a little picnic promised that 'as long been overdoo, An' we're waitin' fer the order to advance; An' me bones is fairly achin' fer to see my boys bung thro', Fer I know they're dancin' mad to git the chance. An' there's some'll sure be missin' when we git into the game; But if they lorst their corperil 'twould be a cryin' shame.