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 CHARGE.
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 | Poetical Pictures of the Great War |  |
THE CHARGE.
(A real incident.)
“I believe in the next world, and, do all I can
not to send my patients into it, drunk.”
The actual remark of an experienced physician.
“About six o'clock every man was given a glass
of rum to drink the King's health and success to
our attack.”
From an article, printed in a weekly newspaper, written
by one who was present.
[_]
Whatever view may be held as to the taking of alcohol in normal circumstances, few, one would suppose, would justify, on moral grounds, its being served out, neat, just before deadly combat, to men, mostly young, and many of whom are, unfortunately, totally unacquainted with its effects.
And is it thus we slay? I will not drink.
[Pours out the contents.]
An Officer.
Righteous, say they, the war is. So it is!
Then why degrade the splendid trade of war
By usage like to this?
Then why degrade the splendid trade of war
By usage like to this?
Surely the race
Who fought, and bled, and won, at Waterloo,
And many a hard-fought field before and since,
Are not the cravens basely thus to need “Dutch courage.”
Who fought, and bled, and won, at Waterloo,
And many a hard-fought field before and since,
Are not the cravens basely thus to need “Dutch courage.”
A colour-sergeant of the swash-buckler variety,
(gulping down his liquor.)
“See! what come of all the cant
Of ‘temperance’ to win the war, when now
Rum, and such rum! is given to make us fight.
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