I know that since 'e came back 'ere
'E 'asn't seen that girl for fear
She'd turn 'im down—give 'im the bird.
An' 'and 'im out the frozen word,
Because 'e's left a leg in France;
An' 'e's afraid to take a chance.
Well, not afraid, per'aps, but—shook.
It's jist the form 'is nerves 'ave took.
Now 'e's been watchin' Flo an' seen
'Er style, an' 'ow she's always keen
For news uv Jim. Then 'e starts out
To 'ope, an' 'esitate. an' doubt.
'E wonders if 'is own girl spoke
Jist this same way about 'er bloke.
'E wonders if in 'is girl's eyes
That same look came; an' then 'e sighs,
An' dulls 'is senses with the dope
That 'arf a man ain't got no 'ope.
'E makes me tired. But all the same.
I tries to work a little game.
"Look 'ere," I sez. "About this Flo.
Jim mightn't come back 'ome, yeh know
You 'ave a fly; yeh're sure to score;
Besides, all's fair in love an' war."
