Had he and I but met By some old ancient inn, We should have set us down to wet Right many a nipperkin!
But ranged as infantry,And staring face to face,I shot at him as he at me, And killed him in his place.
I shot him dead because--Because he was my foe,Just so: my foe of course he was;That's clear enough; although He thought he'd 'list, perhaps,Off-hand like--just as I--Was out of work--had sold his traps--No other reason why.
Yes; quaint and curious war is! You shoot a fellow down You'd treat, if met where any bar is,Or help to half a crown.