Barrack-Room Ballads · Rudyard Kipling

Chapter 33: The Sergeant's Weddin'

'E was warned agin' 'er-- That's what made 'im look; She was warned agin' 'im-- That is why she took. 'Wouldn't 'ear no reason, 'Went an' done it blind; We know all about 'em, They've got all to find!

Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin'-- Give 'em one cheer more! Grey gun-'orses in the lando, An' a rogue is married to, etc.

What's the use o' tellin' 'Arf the lot she's been? 'E's a bloomin' robber, An' 'e keeps canteen. 'Ow did 'e get 'is buggy? Gawd, you needn't ask! 'Made 'is forty gallon Out of every cask!

Watch 'im, with 'is 'air cut, Count us filin' by-- Won't the Colonel praise 'is Pop—u—lar—i—ty! We 'ave scores to settle-- Scores for more than beer; She's the girl to pay 'em-- That is why we're 'ere!

See the chaplain thinkin'? See the women smile? Twig the married winkin' As they take the aisle? Keep your side-arms quiet, Dressin' by the Band. Ho! You 'oly beggars, Cough be'ind your 'and!

Now it's done an' over, 'Ear the organ squeak, “'Voice that breathed o'er Eden”-- Ain't she got the cheek! White an' laylock ribbons, Think yourself so fine! I'd pray Gawd to take yer 'Fore I made yer mine!

Escort to the kerridge, Wish 'im luck, the brute! Chuck the slippers after-- (Pity 'tain't a boot!) Bowin' like a lady, Blushin' like a lad-- 'Oo would say to see 'em Both is rotten bad?

Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin'-- Give 'em one cheer more! Grey gun-'orses in the lando, An' a rogue is married to, etc.