They black one's eyes, still on they come,

They butt one in the back and stom—

I mean the waistcoat, till the hall

Is more like battlefield than ball.

I'd rather serve in the Soudan,

I'd rather fight at Omdurman,

I'd rather quarrel with a chum,

I'd rather face a Rugby scrum,

Nay, by the stars, I'd rather be

That hapless wretch, the referee,