SESTINA OF THE TRAMP-ROYAL. SPEAKIN' in general, I 'ave tried 'em all, What do it matter where or 'ow we die, So long as we've our 'ealth to watch it all- An' when they ain't, pretendin' they are good? In cash or credit-no, it ain't no good; Nor didn't prophesy nor fret at all, But drew your tucker some'ow from the world, An' never bothered what you might ha' done. But, Gawd, what things are they I 'aven't done? For 'im that doth not work must surely die; Therfore, from job to job I've moved along. An' met my mate-the wind that tramps the world. It's like a book, I think, this bloomin' world, But what you're after is to turn 'em all. Gawd bless this world! Whatever she 'ath doneExcep' when awful long-I've found it good. So write, before I die, "'E liked it all!" But, Gawd, what I've turned my 'and Therfore, from job to Till I 'ad dropped what An' met my mate-the wup again, It's like a book, I think, t Which you can read and But presently you feel that Unless you get the page yo An' turn another-likely no But what you're after is to Gawd bless this world! Wh Excep' when awful long-I'v So write, before I die, "'E lik "BACK TO THE ARMY AGAIN." I'm 'ere in a ticky ulster an' a broken billycock 'at, A-layin' on to the sergeant I don't know a gun from a bat; My shirt's doin' duty for jacket, my sock's stickin' out o' my boots, An' I'm learnin' the damned old goose-step along o' the new recruits! Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again. on't look so 'ard, for I 'aven't no card, I'm back to the Army again! my six years' service. 'Er Majesty sez: 'Good day pase to come when you're rung for, an' 's your 'ole back pay; nce a day for baccy-an' bloomin' gentoo; can make your fortune-the same as "cers do." |