Poetical Pictures of the Great War Suitable for Recitation. First Series ... Second Series ... Third Series ... Fourth Series. By Mackenzie Bell |
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THE DESERTER. |
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 | Poetical Pictures of the Great War |  |
THE DESERTER.
“There is a soul of goodness in things evil.”
Shakespeare.
Shakespeare.
“He showed no grace till the hour he died.”—
Dante Rossetti.
Dante Rossetti.
“I can smoke a cigar to the glory of God.”—
Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
A British private soldier served at the Front for some time. He was given to drink, however, and other bad influences, and, at last deserted. In about two months he was caught. Then he was tried, and sentenced to be shot. On the night before the execution a minister of religion came to offer him spiritual consolation. On leaving he asked whether he could do anything for him. The man desired tobacco, and, on receiving four cigarettes, all the enquirer had, he bestowed two on the sentinel guarding him.
As, seen by inner sight, there flits
Through some strange and obscuring haze,
Vague visions of his dull, past days.
His life, one long, dull tragedy
Before him lay; 'twas well that he
Felt not as others would have felt.
Of gentler nurture, few had dealt
With him in kindness. Now, alas!
Short were the hours 'twere his to pass
On earth. Scarce thought he of his crime
Save with one slow regret; the time
Moved grimly; a well-meaning man
Repentance talked—a stupid plan
Did he crave aught. It had not tasked
The fancy of the prisoner,
To crave one boon, and, now, lay there
Within his hand, four cigarettes.
“Poor bloke,” cried he, his vain regrets
All gone, “the bloke who guards me here
Wants two, as well as me, no fear,”
And holding out a friendly hand,
He makes the other understand.
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