A Song of Instruction
The men that fought at Minden, they was rookies in their time --
So was them that fought at Waterloo!
All the `ole command, yuss, from Minden to Maiwand,
They was once dam` sweeps like you!
Then do not be discouraged, `Eaven is your `elper,
We`ll learn you not to forget;
An` you mustn`t swear an` curse, or you`ll only catch it worse,
For we`ll make you soldiers yet!
The men that fought at Minden, they `ad stocks beneath their chins,
Six inch `igh an` more;
But fatigue it was their pride, and they ~would~ not be denied
To clean the cook-`ouse floor.
The men that fought at Minden, they had anarchistic bombs
Served to `em by name of `and-grenades;
But they got it in the eye (same as you will by-an`-by)
When they clubbed their field-parades.
The men that fought at Minden, they `ad buttons up an` down,
Two-an`-twenty dozen of `em told;
But they didn`t grouse an` shirk at an hour`s extry work,
They kept `em bright as gold.
The men that fought at Minden, they was armed with musketoons,
Also, they was drilled by `alberdiers;
I don`t know what they were, but the sergeants took good care
They washed be`ind their ears.
The men that fought at Minden, they `ad ever cash in `and
Which they did not bank nor save,
But spent it gay an` free on their betters -- such as me --
For the good advice I gave.
The men that fought at Minden, they was civil -- yuss, they was --
Never didn`t talk o` rights an` wrongs,
But they got it with the toe (same as you will get it -- so!) --
For interrupting songs.
The men that fought at Minden, they was several other things
Which I don`t remember clear;
But ~that`s~ the reason why, now the six-year men are dry,
The rooks will stand the beer!
Then do not be discouraged, `Eaven is your `elper,
We`ll learn you not to forget;
An` you mustn`t swear an` curse, or you`ll only catch it worse,
For we`ll make you soldiers yet!
Soldiers yet, if you`ve got it in you --
All for the sake of the Core;
Soldiers yet, if we `ave to skin you --
Run an` get the beer, Johnny Raw -- Johnny Raw!
Ho! run an` get the beer, Johnny Raw!