He purchased a volume by Peter F. Dunne
On “How to be Civilised, though you’re a Hun.”
He swatted up Honour, and Peace and Good-will
For a year seven months and a fortnight until,
You’ll scarcely believe it, that Hun I declare
Acquired a sort of a civilised air.
It was balky, spasmodic and apt to take flight
When a press correspondent was nowhere in sight.
It was clumsy, uncertain and crude, I’m aware,
Yet distinctly suggested a civilised air.