THE VETERANJohn Jackson, once a soldier bold,Hath still a martial feeling;So, when he sees a foe, behold!He charges him—with stealing.He cares not how much ground to-dayHe gives for men to doubt him;He's used to giving ground, they say,Who lately fought with—out him.When, for the battle to be won,His gallantry was needed,They say each time a loaded gunWent off—so, likewise, he did.And when discharged (for war's a sportSo hot he had to leave it)He made a very loud report,But no one did believe it.
John Jackson, once a soldier bold,Hath still a martial feeling;So, when he sees a foe, behold!He charges him—with stealing.He cares not how much ground to-dayHe gives for men to doubt him;He's used to giving ground, they say,Who lately fought with—out him.When, for the battle to be won,His gallantry was needed,They say each time a loaded gunWent off—so, likewise, he did.And when discharged (for war's a sportSo hot he had to leave it)He made a very loud report,But no one did believe it.