Page:Rudyard Kipling's verse - Inclusive Edition 1885-1918.djvu/470

"What makes the rear-rank breathe so 'ard?" said Files-on-Parade.
"It's bitter cold, it's bitter cold," the Colour-Sergeant said.
"What makes that front-rank man fall down?" said Files-on-Parade.
"A touch o' sun, a touch o' sun," the Colour-Sergeant said.
⁠They are hangin' Danny Deever, they are marchin' of 'im round,
⁠They 'ave 'alted Danny Deever by 'is coffin on the ground;
⁠An' 'e'll swing in 'arf a minute for a sneakin' shootin' hound—
⁠O they're hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin'!

"'Is cot was right-'and cot to mine," said Files-on-Parade.
"'E's sleepin' out an' far to-night," the Colour-Sergeant said.
"I've drunk 'is beer a score o' times," said Files-on-Parade.
"'E's drinkin' bitter beer alone," the Colour-Sergeant said.
⁠They are hangin' Danny Deever, you must mark 'im to 'is place,
⁠For 'e shot a comrade sleepin'—you must look 'im in the face;
⁠Nine 'undred of 'is county an' the Regiment's disgrace,
⁠While they're hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin'.

"What's that so black agin the sun?" said Files-on-Parade.
"It's Danny fightin' 'ard for life," the Colour-Sergeant said.
"What's that that whimpers over'ead ? " said Files-on-Parade.
"It's Danny's soul that's passin' now," the Colour-Sergeant said.
⁠For they're done with Danny Deever, you can 'ear the quickstep play,
⁠The regiment's in column, an' they're marchin' us away;
⁠Ho! the young recruits are shakin', an' they'll want their beer to-day,
⁠After hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin'!