I've been readin' in the papers and I'm feelin' pretty mad
At the shabby sort of treatment that a game old soldier's had.
And the soldier I'm referrin' to, who's so surprisin' game,
Is Miles, Lieutenant General—I guess you've heard the name?
Now, the pointers that a twelve-year duty sergeant hasn't got
On the secrets of the Service, are a quite extensive lot;
But he may make observations, while a-wearin' out his shoes,
Not just in strict accordance with the War Department's views.
I've seen some bits of service of a somewhat stirrin' brand
When the West was callin' lusty for a civilizin' hand,