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 | The collected works of Ambrose Bierce |  |
68
THE VETERAN
John Jackson, once a soldier bold,
Hath still a martial feeling;
So, when he sees a foe, behold!
He charges him—with stealing.
Hath still a martial feeling;
So, when he sees a foe, behold!
He charges him—with stealing.
He cares not how much ground to-day
He gives for men to doubt him;
He's used to giving ground, they say,
Who lately fought with—out him.
He 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 gun
Went off—so, likewise, he did.
His gallantry was needed,
They say each time a loaded gun
Went off—so, likewise, he did.
And when discharged (for war's a sport
So hot he had to leave it)
He made a very loud report,
But no one did believe it.
So hot he had to leave it)
He made a very loud report,
But no one did believe it.
| The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | |