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THE FIVE NATIONS
And with keener apprehension, if I read the times aright,
Hear the old casino order: "Watch your man, but be polite.
"Keep your temper. Never answer (that was why they spat and swore).
Don't hit first, but move together (there's no hurry) to the door.
Back to back, and facing outward while the linguist tells 'em how—
'Nous sommes allong à notre batteau, nous ne voulong pas un row.'"
So the hard, pent rage ate inward, till some idiot went too far ...
"Let 'em have it!" and they had it, and the same was serious war.
Fist, umbrella, cane, decanter, lamp and beer-mug, chair and boot—
Till behind the fleeing legions rose the long, hoarse yell for loot.
