540 RUDYARD KIPLING'S VERSE
For 'Im an' 'Er an' It
(An' Two an' One make Three)
'E wants to finish 'is little bit, An' 'e wants to go 'ome to 'is tea!
The bachelor pokes up 'is 'ead
To see if you are gone; But the married man lies down instead,
An' waits till the sights come on, For 'Im an' 'Er an' a hit
(Direct or ricochee) 'E wants to finish 'is little bit,
An' 'e wants to go 'ome to 'is tea.
The bachelor will miss you clear
To fight another day; But the married man, 'e says "No fear!"
'E wants you out of the way Of 'Im an' 'Er an' It
(An* 'is road to 'is farm or the sea), 'E wants to finish 'is little bit,
An' 'e wants to go 'ome to 'is tea.
The bachelor 'e fights 'is fight
An' stretches out an' snores; But the married man sits up all night
For 'e don't like out-o'-doors. 'E'll strain an' listen an' peer
An' give the first alarm For the sake o' the breathin* 'e's used to 'ear
An' the 'ead on the thick of 'is arm.
The bachelor may risk 'is 'ide
To 'elp you when you're downed;
But the married man will wait beside
Till the ambulance comes round.