Rudyard Kipling

The Sergeant's Weddin'

'E was warned agin' 'er --
 That's what made 'im look;
She was warned agin' 'im --
 That 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' --
Give 'em one cheer more!
Grey gun-'orses in the lando,
An' a rogue is married to, etc.
 
What's the use o' tellin'
 'Arf the lot she's been?
'E's a bloomin' robber,
 An' 'e keeps canteen.
'Ow did 'e get 'is buggy?
 Gawd, you needn't ask!
'Made 'is forty gallon
 Out of every cask!
 
Watch 'im, with 'is 'air cut,
 Count us filin' by --
Won't the Colonel praise 'is
 Pop -- u -- lar -- i -- ty!
We 'ave scores to settle --
 Scores for more than beer;
She's the girl to pay 'em --
 That is why we're 'ere!
 
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!
Chuck the slippers after --
 [Pity 'tain't a boot!]
Bowin' like a lady,
 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.