There was Babu Chuckerbutty, We 'adn't good regalia, An' our Lodge was old an' bare, But we knew the Ancient Landmarks, An' we kep' 'em to a hair; An' lookin' on it backwards It often strikes me thus, There ain't such things as infidels, Excep', per'aps, it's us. For monthly, after Labour, We'd all sit down and smoke (We dursn't give no banquets, Lest a Brother's caste were broke), An' man on man got talkin' Religion an' the rest, An' every man comparin' Of the God 'e knew the best. So man on man got talkin', An' we'd all ride 'ome to bed, Full oft on Guv'ment service To the Lodges east an' west, Accordin' as commanded. I wish that I might see them, With my Mother-Lodge once more. Outside-"Sergeant! Sir! Salute! Salaam!" We met upon the Level an' we parted on the Square, "FOLLOW ME 'OME" THERE was no one like 'im, 'Orse or Foot, An' because it was so, why, o' course 'e went an' died, So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me! Follow me follow me 'ome! 'Cigar-lighter. *Butler. 'Pantry. 'Is mare she neighs the 'ole day long, An' she won't take 'er feed 'cause o' waitin' for 'is step, 'Is girl she goes with a bombardier Before 'er month is through; An' the banns are up in church, for she's got the beggar hooked, Which is just what a girl would do. We fought 'bout a dog-last week it were- But I strook 'im cruel 'ard, an' I wish I 'adn't now, 'E was all that I 'ad in the way of a friend, But I'd give my pay an' stripe for to get the beggar back, So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me! Follow me follow me 'ome! Take 'im away! 'E's gone where the best men go. Take 'im away! For it's "Three rounds blank" an' follow me, THE SERGEANT'S WEDDIN' 'E WAS warned agin 'er That's what made 'im look; She was warned agin' 'imThat 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'- What's the use o' tellin' Watch 'im, with 'is 'air cut, We 'ave scores to settle- 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! 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. |